Police recruits in Bauchi have alleged extortion of N250,000 for uniforms and boots, a claim the training school commandant strongly denies
Recruits at the Nigeria Police Force Training School, Yelwa, Bauchi, have accused the institution of extorting as much as N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and kits that should be provided free. Some recruits, who spoke anonymously, described the payments as a heavy burden on their families.
A legal practitioner, Barrister Lawal Ishaq, said a woman approached him for financial help after her son in training requested N250,000. “She begged me to help him. I called the boy myself, and he confirmed the money was for those items,” Ishaq said. He warned the practice could fuel corruption among future officers.
Recruits alleged they were compelled to buy extra uniforms due to poor quality supplies, while boots were often unavailable until after graduation.
However, the Commandant, ACP Abdullahi Umar Tambuwal, dismissed the claims. “All students receive their uniforms and kits free of charge. We even provide them with three square meals daily,” he said, adding investigations would be carried out