Police Recruits Allege Extortion at Bauchi Training School

Recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Bauchi State have accused the school’s management of extorting N250,000 from each of them for uniforms, boots, and other essential kits that are supposed to be provided free of charge. The allegations have sparked concerns about the financial burden on recruits and their families.

According to some of the recruits, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the demand for N250,000 is excessive and has put a significant strain on their finances. They claim that while the school provides some uniform materials, the quality is substandard, and they are forced to purchase additional sets to meet the demands of training and duty.

The recruits say that failure to comply with the demand could jeopardize their training, and they are often compelled to seek financial support from parents or well-wishers. One recruit noted that the situation is difficult, as they are happy to have been enlisted but must find money to buy the required uniforms.

The Commandant of the Bauchi Police Training School, Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, has denied the allegations, stating that all students receive their uniforms and kits free of charge. He assured that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated and warned that any officer found guilty of extortion would be sanctioned.

A legal practitioner, Barrister Lawal Ishaq, who raised the alarm about the alleged extortion, warned that subjecting recruits to such heavy financial burdens during training could predispose them to corrupt practices once they graduate and take up official duties. This concern highlights the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations and for measures to be put in place to prevent such practices in the future .

The allegations of extortion at the Bauchi Police Training School raise serious concerns about the treatment of recruits and the potential impact on their future careers. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine the validity of the claims and to ensure that recruits are treated fairly and in accordance with established procedures .