TD A police officer has raised concerns over the alleged mass transfer of personnel from the Edo State Police Command to Kogi, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states, claiming that the development has created severe financial and welfare difficulties for affected officers.
The whistleblower is a serving police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid possible victimisation.
He alleged that more than 600 officers transferred out of Edo State are considering leaving the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the officer, about 667 personnel were transferred to Kogi State, but only around 80 had reported at the time of the account.
Meanwhile, more than 20 others had reportedly resigned from the Force.
The officer alleged that similar transfers were made to Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.
‘No Transfer Allowance or Accommodation’
The whistleblower said one of the biggest challenges confronting the affected officers is the alleged absence of transfer allowances and accommodation arrangements.
“The worst of this transfer is that no benefits such as allowance,” the officer said.
According to the whistleblower, many officers who have reported to their new commands have had to borrow money from banks or informal lenders to finance their relocation.
The officer said the affected personnel are expected to cover transportation, accommodation and other relocation expenses themselves, despite being transferred in the course of official duty.
“If you report at the command, nobody sends you, and you feed yourself,” the whistleblower said.
Police Officers Blame Welfare and Administrative Decisions
The officer attributed the transfers to what he described as disagreements and administrative decisions surrounding the former leadership of the Edo State Police Command.
According to the whistleblower, the former Commissioner of Police in Edo had adopted a strict approach to operations involving suspected internet fraudsters.
The officer claimed the former Commissioner discouraged some personnel from carrying out arrests and other police duties for fear of disciplinary action.
The officer further alleged that the situation contributed to operational difficulties and insecurity in parts of the state.
The claims could not independently be verified, and no evidence was provided to substantiate the allegations concerning the former commissioner or to establish that the transfers were intended as punishment.
Police: ‘We Are Being Punished for What We Did Not Do’
The officer said affected personnel were particularly distressed.
According to him, they were not responsible for whatever disagreement may have existed between senior police authorities and the Edo State Government.
“We are not the governor who removed her from office,” the whistleblower said.
“She is punishing us for what we didn’t know anything about.”
The officer argued that ordinary police personnel should not bear the consequences of disputes involving senior government and security officials.
Family Relocation Adds to Pressure
Beyond the immediate financial burden, the whistleblower said the transfers were creating serious difficulties for officers with families.
Among the concerns listed were transportation costs, accommodation, and relocation of spouses and children.
Others are school arrangements and the general difficulty of establishing a household in a new location.
The officer also cited insecurity as an additional concern.
He argued that officers transferred to unfamiliar environments may face increased personal and operational risks.
“The stress, the hardship we are going to face, no allowance, the expense to incur, and thinking of relocation of the family from one place to another when insecurity is the order of the day,” the officer said.
Appeal to Federal Government
The whistleblower appealed to the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police and the Ministry of Finance to intervene urgently.
The officer specifically called for the payment of transfer allowances and improved financial support for the affected personnel.
“What we want is that the Federal Government should please consider the hardship and order the Inspector-General of Police and the Minister of Finance to pay us the transfer allowance,” the officer said.
The officer also appealed for improved financial support for police personnel so that they can adequately provide for their families while serving away from their original commands.
Police Welfare Concerns Raise Broader Questions
The allegations, if substantiated, raise questions about the welfare implications of large-scale police transfers and whether adequate logistical and financial arrangements are made before personnel are redeployed.
Police officers are routinely transferred as part of administrative and operational requirements. However, the whistleblower’s allegations centre on whether affected personnel are being adequately supported with relocation expenses, accommodation and other welfare provisions.
The claims remain allegations and require independent verification from the Nigeria Police Force and relevant government authorities.
The affected officers, according to the whistleblower, are not asking for the transfers themselves to be cancelled.
Rather, they want the Federal Government to recognise the financial and family burdens created by the redeployments.
They also asked the Government to provide the allowances and welfare support necessary for them to resume their duties.
The officer’s decision to remain anonymous reflects the stated fear of victimisation and possible consequences for speaking publicly about internal police welfare and administrative matters.
