Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has given some Commissioners of Police 72 hours to furnish him with up to date risk assessments of their instructions and operational necessities at Force Headquarters.
Disu gave the directive throughout his convention with police strategic managers in Abuja on Wednesday.
The IGP revealed that no fewer than 611 suspected criminals had been arrested by operatives of the Force throughout the federation in only one month.
Giving a breakdown of the arrests, rescued kidnap victims and recovered arms and ammunition, the IGP mentioned: “Since our last conference, our personnel have arrested 218 banditry and terrorism suspects, 85 suspected armed robbers, 129 suspects for murder and culpable homicide, 59 suspected kidnappers and 120 suspected cultists. We also rescued 95 kidnap victims, recovered 306 assorted firearms and 630 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, along with 116 stolen vehicles. I commend all officers and men whose courage, professionalism and commitment have contributed to these achievements.”
He added,”I have to now communicate plainly. The statistics I’ve simply learn signify progress, however they don’t inform the total story. Bandit assaults are ongoing in some states throughout the Federation, and communities in these areas proceed to face actual threats to their security and livelihoods. This is a problem we’re confronting straight, and I cannot enable this convention to faux in any other case.
“I’m due to this fact directing as follows, with fast impact: All Commissioners of Police in affected instructions are to submit up to date risk assessments and operational necessities to Force Headquarters inside 72 hours.
“I would like specifics, not generalities. The DIG in cost of Operations is to coordinate the fast deployment of further personnel, mobility and air assist to essentially the most affected areas, in session with the instructions involved. Intelligence-led operations have to be sustained and intensified. Every command should have a standing operational plan for its high-risk zones.
“Community intelligence must be deepened. Traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups in affected areas must be engaged and incorporated into our intelligence architecture. The people know who the bandits are. We must give them the confidence to tell us.”
He emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force stays a strictly non-partisan establishment, including: “Our allegiance is to the Constitution and the Nigerian people.”
He mentioned each candidate, political social gathering, supporter and eligible voter is entitled to equal safety below the legislation.
Disu mentioned he wouldn’t tolerate any officer utilizing the authority of the Police to advance the pursuits of any political social gathering, candidate or sponsor.
“Any officer found to be colluding with political actors, facilitating thuggery, compromising the integrity of the electoral process or interfering with the rights of voters will be disciplined according to the law,” he mentioned.
