National Police of Niger


The National police of Niger are one of two Police forces, previously under the control of the Armed Forces of Niger, but following the Constitution of 1999, come under the control of the Ministry of the Interior. They are responsible for security and law enforcement in urban areas, and the protection of government buildings, institutions, and through special agencies, the security of government leaders.
The National Police report to the General Directorate of National Police, headquartered in Niamey which also commanded the former National Forces for Intervention and Security, until it was superseded by the Guard Nationale in 2010. The National Police numbered 1500 in the year of 2002. The Niger police emergency number is 17. Foreign governments have accused the National Police of being poorly trained, equipped, and often corrupt. Niger police are alleged by the United States Department of State to commonly request money in return for assistance. Victims of criminal activities in Niger are not assured of assistance from Niger police even after calling the emergency number for Niger police. The traffic police of Niger are alleged similarly for slow response. The Niger police vehicles are often condemned of lacking the basic necessities such as gasoline.
The Gendarmerie Nationale, modeled on the French Gendarmerie, is a separate institution, responsible for policing outside urban areas, and reporting to the Ministry of Defense.
The National Police sponsor a semi-professional football club, AS Police, which plays in the Niger Premier League.

Organization

The General Directorate of the National Police is the highest structure of the National Police of Niger and is headed the director-general Souley Boubacar. The General Directorate of the National Police is subdivided in 9 directorates. The directorates are: