Taiwo Lakanu, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police and current member of the Police Service Commission, has urged parents in Osun State to inspire their children to consider careers in the Nigeria Police Force. During a visit to the Olojudo of Ido-Osun, he expressed concern over a noticeable decline in youth interest in joining the police, an issue he believes could have significant implications for national security. He emphasized the importance of active participation by young people in the nation’s security systems, suggesting that a lack of interest today could lead to shortages in the future when the need for their involvement arises.

Lakanu's statements came during a delegation visit aimed at overseeing the ongoing screening of police recruitment applicants in Osun State. He highlighted that the declining enrollment into the police force is a multifaceted issue and called on parents to actively encourage their wards to engage in the process. His comments resonate in a broader socio-political context, where security forces are crucial in addressing Nigeria’s varying security challenges.

The retired DIG’s appeal to parents is not only a call to duty but also an acknowledgment of the changing perceptions towards law enforcement careers among the youth. By rekindling interest in policing, he hopes to bolster the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force and enhance their effectiveness in maintaining safety and order in Nigerian communities, thus addressing both current and future security needs effectively.