We have come a long way as a Nation of diverse multi ethnic tribe, culture and religion. We have been waged by several wars. Like the popular saying "if you can't beat them, join them" and It seems this particular war, like an epidemic is ravaging our dear nation without a cure. We seem to have joined them since we can't beat them, but that's a cruel step considering the effects of conceding defeat to this particular enemy. It's fatal to our national growth and stability, it hinders all form of development. This particular enemy is well known by every Nigerian and every sensible Nigerian abhors it, detest it, would never condone it. Yet some welcomes it with arms wide open, with no repercussions because the law is too weak to fight it. Corruption is defined as the act of corrupting or impairing integrity, virtue, or moral  principles . Integrity is a costly commodity most Nigerians can't afford.
One of our weapons used in combating this common enemy is the Nigerian police force. But it's like bringing kitchen knife to a gun fight. In other developed and serious Nations it is an effective tool in combating this menace. But in our dear and beloved Nigeria, it's quite ineffective. Corruption seems to be rooted in our DNA, the NPF lackadaisical approach to this enemy is quite baffling to say the least. Corruption takes a subtle step in subduing its prey, it takes a psychological and societal approach which Nigerians are vulnerable to. A vacuum created by our own dear government. The NPF is tagged as one of the most corrupt government institutions,taking a critical and unbiased look at the NPF, we could simply conclude we are our own architect of our dilemma. The NPF is
plagued with series of internal problems, ranging from recruitment procedures, remuneration, and patriotism. When patriotism is the reason for enlisting for Police, and the government is keeping it's end of her bargain "remuneration" the NPF would become an effective tool in combating  corruption.
We have seen, heard cases of Nigerian Police Officers killing for stipends. Like I said we are the architect of our own problems, when enlisting for Police is seen as last resort, an escape route from poverty and an avenue for intimidation. When most recruits were thugs or criminals before enlisting, we tend to have a faulty institution. In developed nations background checks are done to ascertain eligibility, thereby building an institution of integrity. No doubt even in developed Nations corruption still rears it's ugly head but is constantly trampled on, subduing it to the barest minimum. Psychological evaluation and mental acuity should be a criteria, when police officers understands NPF is like a white cloth that would be stained and rendered useless by oil (corruption), integrity would become their watchword.
There are so many unresolved murder cases, NPF is known for starting but never concluding most investigation.
Investigation requires a level of mental acuity and psychological stability. I have seen some interesting TV series like criminal mind, the mentalist and lie to me. These series centres on investigation using psychology and Scientific approach, regardless of when and where the crime is committed, the culprit will eventually be apprehended. It's no rocket science, I believe NPF can achieve even greater feats if positioned in the right angle. I believe according to the law, an accused is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, but reverse is the case as most officers are judge, jury and executioner. Accused are remanded in cells without any form of investigation or in most cases trial . I have witnessed cases where a police officer couldn't defend himself Sims because his gun was taken away from him by hoodlums, most police force in other parts of the world incorporate martial art as self defence. In Nigeria I know of a great and young zealous people skilled at the martial art, they restore law and order in their community, such institutions ought to be contracted by NPF for proper self defence training. HIOMMA is a professional martial art Academy based in Port Harcourt, coincidentally one of their student enlisted for Navy and became their martial art instructor. Most police officers can't run for miles chasing criminals or would take to their heels when faced with 5 or more hoodlums, reverse should be the case. On the other hand government ought to keep their end of their bargain, a police officer may die on the line of duty and his immediate families would be left to their fate, which is quite discouraging, that's why they deep their hands in whatever could fetch them extra income incase of the inevitable. Nigerian government have a lot to do in boosting the morales of police officers by keeping to their promises. With these in check there would be less stain on the prestigious institution and integrity would be restored. With the present government drive for action I sincerely hope NPF would be revamped to international standard. I believe in greater Nigeria.
Olastouch..com