Yemi Akinsuyi/
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba has predicted tough times next year in terms of security and described this year as a challenging one due to the high rate of crimes across the country.
According to him, next year would be tough because it is the year before an election year.
Baba spoke today during the end-of-the-year meeting with Commissioners of Police and other superior officers in Abuja.
His words: “These challenges center largely on the potent threat posed to internal security by the activities of bandits, secessionist elements, kidnapping syndicates, and other highly organized criminals.
“The challenges were compounded by the #ENDSARS violence of the preceding year, which weakened the morale and operational base of the Force, following the massive destruction of Police operational assets, and unfortunate deaths and injuries to police officers that attended the violent protests.”
He commended the resiliency demonstrated by the police officers and their loyalty to the country in frustrating the efforts of the criminal elements.
He also commended the professionalism and proficiency of police personnel before, during, and after Anambra State gubernatorial election.
Baba noted that within 2021, the police hierarchy worked closely with the Police Trust Fund (PTF), and Ministry of Police Affairs towards the acquisition and the delivery of a new fleet of purpose-built operational assets, which he said would soon be distributed to the Police commands across the country.
He said that the re-energized relationship between the police and the Police Service Commission (PSC), has led to the near completion of the recruitment of 10000 Constables.
He applauded the election of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Garba Baba Umar as the Vice President of International Police (INTERPOL) during the recently concluded 89th Session of its General Assembly held in Istanbul, Turkey, and described it as a ‘major stride of the Force within the Year 2021’.
While appreciating all members of the Force for the successes within the outgoing year, the IGP noted that the incoming year would be challenging because it is the preceding year before the general election.
He charged the officers to prepare to strengthen their leadership capacity in dealing with crimes attached to the end of the year and brace up for the anticipated internal security challenges that next year would present.
He said following persistent reports of professional infractions by some police personnel in various commands across the country, he had directed the Monitoring Unit, X-Squad, and Force Provost Marshall to jointly commence a special operation with a view to monitoring police conducts, especially during this festive season and enforcing professional standards as citizens transit in and around the country.
“This operation would be well-coordinated, and any personnel caught involving himself or herself in any unethical acts will be firmly dealt with. If such misconduct results from supervisory negligence, the line supervisors could also be held vicariously liable and dealt with,” Baba said.
While calling for joint efforts of all Nigerians in fighting against insecurity, the police boss assured Nigerians a peaceful Christmas and New Year festivities.
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