Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed commissioners of police in Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to begin dismantling unauthorized checkpoints within their areas of responsibility. Violators are to be arrested for prompt prosecution.
Additionally, the IGP has given commissioners of police a three-week deadline to establish complaints response units (CRU) in their command headquarters to combat corruption effectively.
During a strategic meeting with Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), and command Commissioners of Police, Egbetokun assured that the police would provide adequate security for upcoming governorship elections in three states of the federation.
He emphasized that there was no need for concern as there were sufficient personnel available for election security. He encouraged cooperation among stakeholders and adherence to the rules of elections while urging the public and politicians to shun violence.
Egbetokun also announced the annual police strategic managers conference and retreat scheduled for October 29 to November 2, 2023, in Owerri, Imo State. This conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, strategic planning, and strengthening collective resolve to enhance policing in Nigeria.
He reiterated the commitment to combatting corruption within the Nigeria Police Force, including the establishment of CRU offices in all states. Command Commissioners of Police who have not complied with this directive were given a three-week deadline to do so.
The IGP addressed the recent abduction of eight National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Zamfara State, assuring the public of efforts to ensure their safe rescue. He noted that rescue operations require a careful, tactical, and deliberate approach to avoid harm to the victims.
Regarding the tragic killing of Divisional Police Officer SP Bako Angbashim in Rivers State, Egbetokun vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and warned those who target police officers to desist. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate such attacks and would hunt down the perpetrators.
