The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase has announced that policemen and women will undergo drug tests before they are posted to operational locations or handed weapons.
Arase also said officers who fail the urine test, will be barred from handling weapons, and will also receive counselling to help them get off drugs.
He said “Some of these psychological problems could also have resulted from drug abuse by few of our men. We have therefore decided that the medical assessment of persons we recruit into the police force will include a psychological assessment.
“In addition, effective immediately, we will carry out snap urine tests for signs of drug abuse on all policemen before we issue any lethal weapons to them or at their operational points. We are in partnership with a reputable group of psychiatrists and psychologists in this project.”
The police boss also hinted that the force is transforming to a level where its men will no longer carry weapons all the time. He suggested the use of stun guns.
Arase said “Orders have been placed for this weaponry and adequate training framework is being put in place; my long term vision is to effectively address issues that engender misuse of firearms and give true meaning to our mandate of safeguarding the lives of our citizens.”
Meanwhile, some security experts and lawyers have commended the Nigeria Police for the proposed adoption of stun guns to reduce casualties from misuse of firearms by its men.
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