Politicisation of recruitment process into security agencies is responsible for lack of zeal and commitment being exhibited by security forces to fight criminaliities, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has said.
Zulum who said this in his lecture entitled ‘Ungoverned Space and Insecurity in the Sahelian Region: Implications for Nigeria Domestic Peace and Security’ at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, added that Nigeria’s security is now in the hands of job seekers.
“The major problem is the recruitment process. Those being recruited into the Nigerian Army, police and other security agencies are job seekers. Many of them are there because they don’t have a job,” Zulum said.
“Those enlisted 20 years ago are performing well, but these people are looking for employment only. So, there’s no commitment and dedication.
“These days, governors, ministers and other top government functionaries have slots. Nobody is to interview them whether they are qualified or not. Admission into Nigerian Army, police and others are now politicized.”
He said for the country to make progress in its efforts to end insecurity, leaders must do the right thing by ensuring that the best people are recruited to manage the country’s security.
“We must engage those that can deliver because we have a lot of competent Nigerians. If not, we shall continue to recruit the dull ones,” he said.
