Senior police officers and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, met to discuss President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy priorities addressing effective inter-agency cooperation and the need for a synergized internal security architecture. On June 5, 2023, the meeting was held at Force Headquarters in Abuja’s Peacekeeping Hall.
The IGP asked the Strategic Police Managers to build on the accomplishments made between January and May 2023, particularly the smooth transition to democracy and the impending June 12 commemoration of Democracy Day. He stressed the significance of taking early steps to address dangers that are currently present and those that are anticipated to emerge across the nation, such as the potential effects of the withdrawal of fuel subsidies and the growing threat of industrial strike action. The IGP emphasized the significance of upholding peace and stability in the country’s democracy and conducting peaceful protests in a professional manner.
According to the IGP, 1,630 criminal instances including crimes like terrorism, secessionism, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and the proliferation of firearms were reported by the police during the review period. 3,619 people were detained, 486 weapons were found, and 4,072 rounds of ammunition in various calibers were seized as a result of numerous police operations. In addition, 316 abducted individuals were successfully freed without incident.
Deserving officers received assurances from the IGP that promotions would be determined by merit and open positions. Additionally, he said that Inspectors now undergoing Departmental Selection Boards were being considered for promotion to the level of Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), while 31,465 rank and file employees had been elevated to their next positions.
The IGP spoke out against a worrying trend in which certain police officers are criminalizing civil disputes. He issued a warning that such professional violations would result in harsh disciplinary measures and fines, placing the responsibility of garnishee orders entirely on the individuals involved. The IGP advised officers in charge to warn their staff members about immoral conduct and extortion and to improve on inter-agency collaboration. In order to handle cases of rights abuses, he also encouraged the creation and maintenance of Human Rights Desks at all police commands.
The IGP underlined the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to upholding a tranquil and peaceful public sphere and continuing the national crime rate’s downward trend. He thanked the federal government for its assistance and vowed that the force will keep changing its tactics in order to protect the country.
