Police Recruits Allege Paying N250,000 for Uniforms and Boots at Bauchi Training School

Police recruits in Bauchi allege paying N250,000 for uniforms and boots. Authorities deny extortion claims but promise investigation.

Allegations of Exploitation at Bauchi Police Training School

Recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School in Yelwa, Bauchi State, have alleged that they are being forced to pay N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and other kits—items that are supposed to be issued free of charge.

Some of the recruits described the financial demand as unbearable, noting that their parents and guardians struggle to cover the costs. However, school authorities have strongly denied the claims.

A Lawyer Raises Alarm Over the N250,000 Demand

The controversy came to light when Barrister Lawal Ishaq, a Bauchi-based legal practitioner, revealed that a mother approached him for financial assistance to support her son, a recruit at the school.

According to Ishaq:

The recruit requested N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and jackets.
When Ishaq called the young man directly, the recruit confirmed the amount.
The lawyer expressed concern that such financial pressures could push new constables into corrupt practices after graduation.

This aligns with broader worries about systemic corruption within Nigeria’s security institutions, often linked to poor welfare during training. For more related updates, check Nigeria Police recruitment news.

Recruits Confirm Pressure to Buy Kits

Several recruits, speaking anonymously, admitted they were under pressure to provide their own sets of uniforms due to the poor quality of the ones issued.

Officially issued uniforms reportedly last only a few months.
Recruits must pay tailoring costs to replace or adjust them.
Boots are often withheld until graduation, forcing recruits to buy pairs during training.

One recruit explained that without proper uniforms, trainees risk being excluded from drills and coursework, making compliance unavoidable.

Alleged Monopoly on Uniform Sales

Recruits also claimed they were not allowed to purchase uniforms outside the school, effectively leaving them no choice but to comply with internal demands.

While acknowledging that uniforms are mandatory, some recruits described the N250,000 fee as excessive and burdensome. Families often pool resources or borrow money to keep their children in training.

This situation mirrors recurring issues within Nigeria’s police training and welfare system, which have been documented by groups like Amnesty International.

Police Training Commandant Denies Allegations

Responding to the reports, the Commandant of the Bauchi Police Training School, ACP Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, dismissed the claims as false.

According to him:

All recruits are issued uniforms and kits free of charge.
Meals are provided daily, and uniforms are delivered from Abuja to Bauchi.
With over 700 recruits in training, extortion of such large sums would be impractical.

Tambuwal further warned that any officer found guilty of extortion would face strict disciplinary measures. He also urged parents not to fall for what he described as false claims made by recruits.

A Call for Transparency and Reform

The allegations surrounding police recruits in Bauchi highlight the urgent need for greater transparency in Nigeria’s police training system. Whether the claims are true or not, they expose the financial struggles recruits face and the risk of corruption within the force.

Stakeholders, including the police hierarchy and civil society, must ensure accountability and protect young officers from exploitation. Strengthening welfare and support systems for recruits could improve morale and help build a more trustworthy police service.