Commissioner Paul Iseghohi was recently in New York, USA attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference (NOBLE). The organization is committed to conducting research and sponsoring programs that lead to the formation of policies and procedures to improve the delivery of law enforcement services.... August 5, 2008

Iseghohi - I will continue to develop effective strategies to combat crime.

Commissioner Paul Iseghohi was recently in New York, USA attending the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives conference (NOBLE). The organization is committed to conducting research and sponsoring programs that lead to the formation of policies and procedures to improve the delivery of law enforcement services.

Iseghohi was appointed commissioner of Niger State at a time when serious problems of violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, drugs, gangs and rape were prevalent. Being dissatisfied with the status quo and committed to bringing new direction and leadership; Iseghohi’s concept is that of an effective police force that can respond to people’s needs and protect citizens despite race, tribe, gender or religion. In fact, the few months, he has spent in Niger State as commissioner has seen drastic decrease in violent crime and robbery. These were all achieved through strategic initiatives, putting criminals in jail without compromise, and adopting undercover operation tactics.

In an interview conducted by Dr. Samuel Rumala, Commissioner Iseghohi responded to the following questions regarding the challenges he faces, his initiatives, and the resources currently available for policing Niger State.

What challenges do you face as a police commissioner?

The challenge of combating crime, which takes staggering financial toll on communities across Niger State and Nigeria and brings about poverty. I understand that security is the backbone of economic development, tourism, trade and commerce; living without security is comparable to operating a car without gasoline or engine oil.

What are your current, short and long term Initiatives?

The following initiatives have been or are in the process of being introduced, with other projects to commence as restructuring continue:

• Community crime prevention strategy and fear reduction through Community Oriented Policing to decrease the growing isolation of the police from the community.
• Development of effective strategies to address domestic and/or family violence issues – The home is where problems start.
• Addressing hate crimes of any kind, including gender, religious violence and harassment.
• Procure mobile data communications technology for effective policing and first responder to increase the ability to respond quickly to calls, even from rural communities.
• Organize and train motorcycle patrol teams to protect communities.
• Develop and implement youth crime action plan to prevent children from getting involved in criminal activity through preventive measures and more parental support and involvement from local authorities through the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC)
• Prevention of children and human trafficking
• Monitoring of gang trends resulting in the arrest of gang leaders. Eliminating illegal businesses and educating the public on how this lifestyle impacts the communities and distracts law enforcement from more important police activity.

It is clear from the above initiatives that Sir Iseghohi understands the impact of crime on victims and communities, and the direct impact of criminal behavior on the health of communities; hence it makes sense to reduce it.

What other than Personnel Resources are supporting Niger State Police Department?

When I was appointed Commissioner 14 months ago, there was not a single functioning vehicle in this organization. To address this issue, the Chief Servant of Niger State provided much needed financial support by allocating funds to refurbish 40 vehicles.  In addition, through the Police Equipment Fund, the Inspector General of Police has made available police patrol vehicles for use in the State. The Chief Servant is also securing quotations from suppliers to supply the police force with much needed equipment required to effectively perform their job responsibilities.  The Inspector General of Police has also embarked on an aggressive housing scheme in the state and throughout other states in the federation to further enhance police productivity. Today, Niger State police force has 100 walkie-talkies of 20 km range to assist in policing senatorial districts. More resources are needed to cover the entire state of 78000 hectares of land with a population of over 4 million.

Commissioner Iseghohi’s fact file

1976 – Joined the Nigeria Police force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police posted to Oyo State
1979 – Completed Mobile Anti-Riot Police Officer training
1983 – Attended a Traffic Course
1984 – Completed Postgraduate course in Administration
1984 to

19 87 – Held several positions as Traffic Officer, Division Crime Officer, Division Police Officer
1987 – Attended the Intermediate Command Course & Staff College, Jos. Thereafter, held several positions as Area Commander

1998 – Graduate of Senior Command Course at the Staff College, Jos.
2000 – Promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner. Made force provost marshal and also represented the interest of the police at National Assemble until July 2001.

2001 - Posted to Ebony State as Deputy Commissioner of Police, and relocated to several states.

2004 - Promoted Substantiate Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State. Relocated to Ebony State and served in Benue State, and at the Police HQ, Abuja as commissioner in charge of training.
2007 – Relocated to Niger State, June 1 as the Commissioner of Police

Iseghohi has been a good commissioner who has performed well, but would have achieved much more with better resources to fight crime. He has strategically combated violent crime and continues to keep armed robbers at bay in Niger State in the last one year despite the challenges – H e emphasized that Niger State is no haven for criminals. His mission is simply to enhance the quality of life in Niger State by enforcing the law.

Nigerlites credit police commissioner for introducing policies that led to better-trained and more articulate police officers; he has the skills and leadership style to engender wide national support, but the community and government must be willing and ready to give him full support.