Some Nigerian police officers deployed on special security operations in Zamfara and Kebbi states have raised concerns over their prolonged postings without rotation. They have spent several months away from their families despite assurances that they would be replaced. The officers were initially deployed to Zamfara State on January 28 for a special security operation.
According to one of the affected officers, who spoke to SaharaReporters, the team was initially deployed for a special security operation in Zamfara State with assurances that they would be rotated after two to three months. However, they spent about nine months in the state without being replaced. The team was subsequently moved from Zamfara to Kebbi State on February 20 for another special assignment.
The officer alleged that while personnel attached to other operational units were being rotated, his team was repeatedly left behind despite several complaints to their superiors. The officers submitted their deployment documents to the Kebbi State Police Command after receiving the necessary signal from their superiors. They have been in Kebbi for four months without rotation.
The officer further alleged that officers who arrived in Kebbi after his team had been deployed were subsequently replaced, while the original personnel continued to remain at the operational base. The officer said they were later informed that a new squadron would be established to take over their responsibilities, raising hopes that they would finally be relieved of the assignment.
However, the arrangement did not result in their replacement. The officer disclosed that 10 officers were initially deployed from Zamfara to the location in Kebbi State. One of the officers died during an operation, while another became seriously ill and was taken back home. The number of officers subsequently reduced to eight before another officer left.
The officer added that when arrangements were later made for the deployment of personnel to the new squadron, authorities reportedly directed each squadron to provide 15 officers. However, their operational base, identified as Base 42, provided only seven additional officers, bringing the total number of personnel attached to their team to 14.
The officer appealed to the police leadership to address their complaints, ensure compliance with the directive on personnel deployment and allow them to return closer to their families. The allegations raise concerns about the welfare and rotation arrangements for police personnel deployed on prolonged special security operations, particularly in areas facing persistent security challenges.
Key points
- The police officers have spent several months away from their families without rotation despite assurances of replacement.
- The officers have been deployed to Zamfara and Kebbi states to fight Lakurawa terrorists.
- The police leadership has been appealed to address the complaints and ensure compliance with the directive on personnel deployment.
