Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
July 23, 2015 – The Nigerian Police Force(NPF) will soon launch an anti-theft vehicle database to reduce incidents of vehicle theft in Nigeria.
“This database will alert the general public and the entire police network when a car is stolen”, the police said on its official website. It noted that everyone is expected to check a vehicle on this database before purchasing.
“This way, thieves won’t be able to sell a stolen vehicle and then stealing will stop eventually”, it added.
The police also warned corporate bodies against the practice of illegally hiring police personnel as private guards.
“It has come to the notice of the Police High Command that some corporate bodies and individuals have taken the illegal route of hiring police personnel for their services”, the police said in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu.
The statement alluded to recent case of an oil services company that hired a dismissed police officer, who in turn procured miscreants, dressed them in what looked like police uniform and armed them to serve the company.
“It is the duty of the Nigeria Police Force to warn the public of the dangers inherent in this unlawful practice. The Special Protection Unit of the Force is available and equipped to meet the special protection needs of corporate bodies and individuals”, the police warned.
“Those interested are to route their application to the Inspector-General of Police for approval”,, the statement said.