Retired Lagos CP Fatai Owoseni says Nigerian police operate under harsh conditions with minimal resources, urging public sympathy for officers

Retired Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has described Nigerian police as victims of structural inefficiencies, often forced to operate under harsh conditions with minimal resources.

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Speaking on News Central’s live programme, A Place at the Table, Owoseni said these challenges often put officers in difficult situations with the public, who frequently misjudge their performance.

“What I should let Nigerians know is that the police itself is a victim. The police deserve sympathy,” he stated.

Owoseni recounted personal experiences, including a time when he had to spend ₦2 million to treat a suspect before court proceedings could continue, due to inadequate facilities at hospitals and correctional centres.

He highlighted underfunding of police divisions, noting that Ikeja Police Division, which oversees over one million people, was receiving only ₦30,000 for three months.

Such shortages force officers to cover basic operational needs out of pocket.

The former CP explained that systemic gaps extend to prisons and courts. Police often struggle to transport suspects due to lack of vehicles, placing officers in challenging positions with complainants.

“Even if the police take that suspect to the hospital, they will not treat him unless someone brings money. Is this someone paid a pittance who will use his salary to buy drugs? This is why the police are victims,” he said.

Reflecting on his early years in the force, Owoseni recalled better-resourced operations, including lorries and Land Rovers for officers on duty, contrasting sharply with current challenges where officers rely on motorcycles for official duties.

While acknowledging improvements under the current government, he urged Nigerians to appreciate the structural difficulties confronting law enforcement.

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Owoseni also stressed that policing reflects the culture and society it serves, urging public understanding of the realities officers face daily.