IGP orders CPs to remove any illegal roadblocks and to imprison anyone who does so. Kayode Egbetokun, the acting inspector general of police, requested yesterday that all non-security checkpoints within the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, or FCT, be immediately dismantled. He also asked that any violators be promptly apprehended for prosecution.
Additionally, he allowed police commissioners three weeks to set up the complaint response units (CRU) in their command centers in order to fight corruption.
There is no need to be concerned, Egbetokun assured during a strategic meeting with DIGs, AIGs, and command CPs that the Police will provide enough security for the upcoming governorship elections in three states of the federation.
“We are aware of the challenge posed by the continued presence of unauthorized persons on the country’s various highways under the pretense of revenue collection. These individuals constantly cause a nuisance on the highways by obstructing traffic and engaging in nefarious activities, such as the seizure of vehicles, the collection of fines, and other illegal activities.
“Since there are just three states holding gubernatorial elections, the Police are not overworked because there is sufficient and appropriate staffing for the election on the ground.
“We are aware of the challenge posed by the continued presence of unauthorized persons on the country’s various highways under the pretense of revenue collection. These individuals constantly cause a nuisance on the highways by obstructing traffic and engaging in nefarious activities, such as the seizure of vehicles, the collection of fines, and other illegal activities.
“Since there are just three states holding gubernatorial elections, the Police are not overworked because there is sufficient and appropriate staffing for the election on the ground.
However, he urged voters and politicians to follow election laws and abstain from all forms of violence.
The IGP made the following statement regarding the 2023 annual police strategic managers conference and retreat, which is scheduled to take place in Owerri, Imo State, from October 29 to November 2, 2023: “This conference and retreat serve as a paramount platform for knowledge exchange, strategic planning, and the strengthening of our collective resolve to improve policing in our nation.
“We have taken measures to strengthen accountability and transparency within the force, such as strengthening the IGP monitoring unit and the complaint response unit, CRU, situated at the Force Headquarters. Additionally, attempts are still being made to establish CRU offices in all states.
“As part of our commitment to combating corruption and enhancing professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force, directives have previously been made to all state commissioners of police directing them to create CRU offices in their respective state command headquarters.
“Three weeks from today, those command commissioners of police who have not complied are, hereby, given a deadline to do so.”
“In light of recent distressing events, we must not forget the abductions of eight National Youth Service Corps, or NYSC, members in Zamfara state,” the IGP remarked in reference to the eight NYSC volunteers who were kidnapped while traveling from Akwa Ibom to Sokoto.
“Our top priority continues to be ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all of our citizens, especially the young NYSC participants. We are steadfast in our determination to step up our efforts to ensure the safe rescue of these kidnapped Corp members and any other individuals who are still held captive by criminal gangs everywhere in the nation.
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“At this time, we are actively exchanging and analyzing the intelligence that has been gathered so far and investigating joint security agency efforts to obtain the unconditional release of these people as soon as possible without harm.
It is crucial to remember that rescue operations typically necessitate a cautious, tactical, and methodical approach. This strategy must be carried out with the utmost caution to prevent accidental harm to the victims.
Regarding the DPO in Rivers State who had been beheaded, Egbetokun stated: “The unfortunate death of a Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim, in Rivers State is another tragedy which serve as a clear reminder of the multifaceted problems we confront in upholding peace and order throughout our nation.
“We have stepped up our efforts to see that those responsible for the senseless murder of SP Bako Angbashim are swiftly brought to justice while issuing a severe warning to those who enjoy killing our policemen to stop.
“The murdered cop was renowned for his valiant actions against dangerous criminal gangs ravaging the neighborhoods where he worked. We reject his horrific murder and the following dismemberment of his body.
“Those who committed this horrific crime have slain slumber, and it is apparent that they will no longer sleep. We shall use every tool at our disposal to find and eliminate them. We won’t ever again react to the killing of one of our policemen in an ordinary way. The price of these killers’ cold-blooded actions will be high.
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