The structure of the Nigeria Police
Force is provided for in Section 214 (2)(a) and 215(2) of the 1999
Constitution. These sections provide inter alia, section 214(2)(a):-
“Subject to the provisions of this
constitution (a) the Nigeria Police shall be organised and Administered in
accordance with such provisions as many be prescribed by an Act of the National
Assembly"
Section 215 (2)
“The Nigeria Police Force shall be
under the Command of the Inspector-General of Police and any contingents of the
Nigeria Police Force stationed in a state shall; subject to the authority of
the Inspector-General of Police, be under the command of Commissioner of Police
of that state”
From the provisions above, three
different structures in the Police Force can be identified. These are:-
a. Command (Authority) Structure.
b. Administration structure and
c. Organisation structure
These structures are patterned to
meet the constitutional expectations of the Police, to perform effectively the
duties assigned to it.
Command (Authority) Structure.
The Command structure, also referred
to as authority structure, of the Police Force is predicted on the regimental
nature of the Force and conducted along the Force badges of ranks. Thus, in
accordance with section 215(2) of the 1999 Constitution, section 6 of the
Police Act, 1990 laws provide that “the Force shall be commanded by the
Inspector-General of Police”. This simply means that orders, directives and
instructions to perform or carry out the duties with which the Police is
carried, flows from the Inspector-General of Police, through the chain of
Command, to any Officer positioned to implement such order. Disobedience or
failure to carry out such instruction, directive or order, attract punitive
sanctions.
According to Section 7 (1) of the
Police Act, the next in the line to the Inspector General of Police, is the
Deputy Inspector General of Police. Though this rank is not specially mentioned
in the Constitution, it has legal backing, because the Police Act is a law made
by the National Assembly in accordance with the constitution. According to
section 7(1) of the Police Act, the Deputy Inspector General of Police is the
second in Command of the Force and shall so act for him in the
Inspector-General’s absence. Section 5 of the Act makes room for as many DIGs
as the Nigeria Police Council considers appropriate. Every other rank below the
IG, takes order of Command from him, in the performance of their lawful duties.
The Office of the Assistant
Inspector-General of Police is provided for by section 5 and 8 of the Police
Act. He shall act for the Inspector-General of Police in the event of the
absence of the Inspector-General of Police and Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
Section 5 of the Police Act, in accordance with the provisions of Section 215
(2), of the Nigeria Constitution, provides for the Office and rank of a
Commissioner of Police who shall be in Control of contingents of the Police
Force stationed in a State. He is subject however, to the command of the
Inspector-General of Police or who-so-ever acts for him, in his absence.
Every other rank in the Force is
legally provided for by section 5 of the Police Act. The Command structure of
the Nigeria Police can be presented in order of hierarchy as in the chain
hereunder.
Command (Authority) Structure
The Inspector-General of Police
The Deputy Inspector-General of
Police
The Asst. Inspector-General of
Police
The Commissioner of Police
(In-charge of contingents in a state)
The Deputy Commissioner of Police
The Asst. Commissioner of Police
The Chief Superintendent of Police
The Superintendent of Police
The Deputy Superintendent of Police
The Asst. Superintendent of Police
The Inspector of Police
Sergeant Major
Sergeant
Corporal
Constable
Regulation 273 of the Police
Regulation, Cap 359 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1990 is instructive
on this issue.
B. Administrative Structure
The Nigeria Police is
administratively structured and divided into eight (8) departments with each
department charged with peculiar duties. Though their duties are inter-woven,
they are distinguishable.
1. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
(formerly A Department)
a) Direction, supervision and
co-ordination of the various department within the Directorate;
b) Standardization of policies and
procedure of administration and finance of the Force;
c) Periodical review of all standing
force Orders, Regulations and other relevant instruments;
d) Maintenance of Force discipline by
directing and reviewing relevant policies and instructions;
e) Convening of conference of the
Directors, Zonal Police Commanders and the Command Commissioner of Police with
the Inspector-General of Police;
f) Planning, administration and
monitoring of the budget and finances of the Force;
g) Organization, planning and
supervision of Research programmes, Management Information;
h) Collating data for and publication
of Annual Police Report;
i) Convening the Force Tenders’ Board;
and Planning and Administration of welfare schemes , e.g., Medical;
j) Laison, co-ordination and
interaction with other Directorates of the Nigeria Police Force;
k) Preparation of Annual Budget for the
Directorate Police Computer;
l) Police Co-operatives;
2. DEPARTMENT OF OPERATIONS
(formerly B Department)
a) Planning and organizing internal
security measures and monitoring the execution of such security measures in
time of emergency;
b) Direction and co-ordination of Force
policies on crime prevention;
c) Utilization of Force Animals
d) Formulation of Force policies on
traffic control;
e) Planning coordinating and monitoring
of the Force communication network;
f) Reviewing and formulating policies
on tactical operation schemes for crime control and prevention;
g) Periodical inspections of various
units for effective implementation of the operational policies of the Police;
h) Planning and coordinating joint
operation;
i) Formulating policies, planning and
management of incidents such as disturbance, riots, national disasters,
elections, suppression of insurrections and trade union disputes or conflicts;
j) Formulation and implementation of
policies on antiterrorism;
k) Liaison, coordination and
interaction with other Directorates of the Nigeria Police Force;
l) Preparation of annual budget for the
Directorate.
3. DEPARTMENT OF LOGISTICS AND
SUPPLY (formerly C Department)
a. Purchase of stores, clothing an
Accoutrement;
b. Planning of building programmes;
c. Construction and maintenance of
Police Buildings and quarters;
d. Arrangement of Board of Survey
and Disposal of unserviceable/Boarded vehicles, equipment etc;
e. Determination of costs of all
equipment, e.g. vehicles, planes, Helicopters; Wireless equipment, Bomb
Disposal equipment, Force Animals, Arms & Ammunition and other riot
equipment, Boats, Medical, Stationers, Spare parts, Printing equipment;
f. Responsibility for the
procurement of all technical equipment. Aircraft, Wireless, Medical, Armaments,
Transport etc, clothing and accoutrements, Stationers and office equipment;
g. Responsibility for the allocation
and distribution of the equipment procured for the various Police Commands and
Directorates;
h. Organization and direction Board
of survey;
i. Responsibility for the planning
and execution of building projects and accommodation;
j. Erection and supervision of the
maintenance Barracks, quarters, office buildings and equipment;
k. Preparation of annual budget for
the Directorate;
l. Liaison, coordination and
interaction with other Directions of the Nigeria Police Force.
4. FORCE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT
(formerly D Department)
a. Criminal Investigations
b. Interpol
c. Antiguitics
d. Crime Prevention Policies
e. Narcotics
f. Forensic Matters
g. Crime Records
h. Prosecution
5. DEPARTMENT OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
(formerly E Department)
a. Formulation and implementation of
supervision of Force Training policy
b. Supervision and coordination of
the activities of the Police and Police Staff Colleges
c. Liaison with Police and Civilian
Institution of higher learning at home and abroad for effective interchange of
ideas;
d. Establishment of effective staff
development programme;
e. Formulation training, research to
keep pace with modern thought in the field of training, staff development and
equipment;
f. Formulating a uniform standard of
training in all in all Police Colleges/Training Schools;
g. Preparation of annual budget for
the Directorate;
h. Liaison coordination and
interaction with other Directorates in the Nigeria Police Force;
6. FORCE
INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT
a. Collection, collation,
assessment/evaluation and dissemination of Criminal Intelligence affecting the
activities of criminals with particular reference to organized crimes.
b. To serve as a think-tank or
reservoir for information on identification of criminals, exchange of
information, keeping of criminal records.
c. Identify criminal syndicates
carrying out criminal activities using gangster techniques.
d. Disseminate criminal intelligence
to various police formations on a continuous basis.
e. Maintain
surveillance on organized gangs, Identify members, associates, daily activities
and method of operation.
f. Maintain a system of criminal
intelligence on itinerant hardened criminals who specializes in cross border
banditry.
6. DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND
PLANNING (formerly F Department)
a. Research;
b. Planning
c. Inspectorate Division;
d. Management Information;
e. Organization and Method
7. DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (formerly G Department)
As it is known globally, technology
plays significant role in modern law enforcement to enhance efficiency and
effectiveness of the agencies. Thus, it is imperative for modern law
enforcement agency to have the capability to manage electronic databases and
communication systems as global crime has become more sophisticated.
Sections in Department of ICT
• Communications Section from Department
of Operations;
• INFOTECH Section from ‘F’
Department;
• Police Computer College, Abeokuta,
‘F’ Department;
• Communications Training Schools in
Kaduna & Ikeja;
• Police Biometric Central Motor
Registry (BCMR) from ‘B’ Department
• Automatic Fingerprint
Identification System from ‘D’ Department
• Tracking & Intercepting Device
Unit from ‘D’ Department
Objectives Of Department of ICT:
• To develop an ICT Policy for the
Nigeria Police Force in line with National ICT Policies such policies on
procurement, use and maintenance of ICT equipment
• To develop and empower the Nigeria
Police personnel with ICT skills for operation efficiency and improved
service delivery
• To provide tools that will help
accomplish efficient modern policing.
• To introduce ICT innovative
solutions centred on strategic policing that will facilitate public
participation in the policing
• To develop technological driven
Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) program, that is
designed within the context of police-community-partnership for efficient and
effective law enforcement
• To provide and maintain a system
for data collection, input analysis and necessary output
• To provide and maintain security
for all levels of access and privilege to information systems and technology in
all Police formation
• To ensure that Nigeria Police
acquire the best ICT equipment that complies with global law enforcement
standards
• To evolve law enforcement
technological solutions that will set pace for other security agencies globally
• To periodically conduct ICT
related need assessment and advise the Force accordingly
8. Office Of The Force Secretary
a. Promotion and appointment of
Superior Police Officers;
b. Deployment of Superior Police
Officers;
c. Records of Superior Police
Officers;
d. Discipline of Superior Police
Officers;
e. Police Council meeting;
f. Inter-Ministerial matter; and
g. Promotion Boards
C. Organisational Structure
The Nigeria Force is further
structured in line with the geo-political structure of the Country, with
provisions for supervisory formations. The structure formation enables Police
operational of the internal Territory of Nigeria.
The organisational structure of the
Police Force is represented as shown below:
Force Headquarters
Zonal Headquarters
State Commands Headquarters
Divisional Police Headquarters
Police Station
Police Post
Village Police Post.
By this nature, the Police
Operational crime fighting function is felt by the populace. The relevance of
the structuring of the Police to the defence and internal security of the
nation can be appreciated by the totality of Police role in internal; security.
The whole weight of the powers and duties of the Police are spread on the
balance of these structures. A periodic assessment and review of these
structures to determine their relevance in the scheme of the nation’s defence
mechanism has remained a traditional exercise in the Force, in order to
catch-up with current global policing strategies as prescribed in international
defence policies. It also provides avenue for getting along with other national
security out-fits.