Police officers refuse transfer to North....

Threaten to resign rather than be the target of Boko Haram attacks

Mass resignation looms in the Nigeria Police Force, following the transfer of police officers to the northern part of the country.

Investigations revealed that more than two thousand police officers are affected by an ongoing mass transfer in the Force.

A number of police officers from the western part of the country are facing transfer to the troubled northern region, while their colleagues from the north are being moved down south.

Those affected by the mass transfer include police officers from the rank and file to the Chief Superintendent Police (CSP) cadre.

It was gathered that the move is part of the police's strategy to combat activities of the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram, which has targeted police stations and other government offices in the northern part of the country.

Sources say that police officers in the north may have been compromised and as such, may be jeopardising the government’s efforts to tackle the dreaded sect.

Though the mass transfer is legitimate and compulsory for the officers, most of those transferred to the north are unhappy and scared of the fate that could await them there.

Many officers, especially from Lagos State, have begun desperate moves to prevent being transferred to the troubled spots in the north.

Also, some affected officers who have been unable to revert their transfers to the west, have threatened to resign.

A lawyer working with the police, who requested anonymity, said she has been besieged by police officers to help revert their transfer from the north.

“Some of them were weeping and kneeling down that they do not want to work in the north, saying the police high command is sending them to an early grave," said the lawyer.

"Some of them were even lobbying me with money to talk to the Inspector General of Police on their behalf, so it is really a worrisome trend."

Most of the affected police officers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the recent transfer policy as 'wicked' and 'unfair'.

"Most of us that are being transferred to the north are Yoruba, Igbo, Benue and other tribes, while those they are bringing to the west are Hausas. Is it that the Inspector General wants Yoruba policemen to be slaughtered by the Boko haram sect?" Asked a police officer.

"Why can’t the Inspector General allow the northerners to remain in their states since they know the terrain and speak the language fluently?" Another officer added.

"Most of our colleagues who went to the north have been killed. Some officers who will not be transferred back to Lagos have already threatened to resign."

It will be recalled that there was a major shake-up in the police force in February, when over 20 Police Commissioners were transferred to different states in the country.