The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has expressed disappointment at the reports of brutality and extortion levelled against some police officers via various complaint channels available to the public, particularly on social media platforms.
IGP Alkali has therefore directed all supervising Commissioners of Police and Tactical/Strategic Commanders to ensure strict supervision of their personnel as further incidences of this nature would be viewed strictly.
The directive was in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations officer, Chief Superintendent of Police CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. He said the IGP has also ordered a holistic overhauling of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Special Tactical Squad (STS), and the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) Units to ensure that their operations are in tandem with the purpose of their creation, and maximum effectiveness.
The statement also said that the Police Chief has directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau (AIG-FIB) to carry out a supervisory role over the three units to ensure their operations are professional, do not infringe on the fundamental rights of the citizenry, and other members of the public.
In the same vein, the Force has dismissed Force No. 524503 PC Liyomo Okoi attached to Ekori Divisional Headquarters, Cross Rivers Police Command for gross misconduct captured in a viral video on 31st July 2022 where he was flogging a man with a machete. His dismissal takes effect from the 8th of August, 2022.
The Inspector-General of Police has therefore reiterated his commitment to ethical regeneration, restoration of professional standards and enhancement of the anti-corruption drive with a dedication to entrenching human rights-driven policing within the country.
The IGP expressed confidence that the current overhauling will improve the effectiveness of the units, and rid them of negative elements that deviate from the standard operating procedure of the Units, and the Nigeria Police Force.
Dominica Nwabufo
