President Muhammadu Buhari, has instructed the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, to ensure insecurity is reduced to the barest minimum in Nigeria.
The order came on Friday, following the confirmation of Baba as the substantive Inspector General of Police.
Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, revealed this while briefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of Friday’s meeting of the Police Council, chaired by President Buhari.
He said: “The main purpose of the meeting was to get the appointment of acting IG confirmed by the council that is in keeping with section 205 of the constitution. It requires the confirmation by members of the council before he is finally confirmed as the substantive Inspector General of police.”
He said the meeting was also summoned to x-tray the security situation in the country with a view to finding lasting solution to the challenges plaguing the country.
“The meeting started with the usual presentation of the acting Inspector General for confirmation, which fortunately because of his track record, was unanimously confirmed.
“Mr President used the opportunity to congratulate him on his appointment and called on him to ensure that he is worthy of the confidence reposed in him. He tasked him rise to the challenge and ensure that the insecurity that the country is facing is brought to the barest minimum,” Dingyadi said.
Also speaking, Police Chief, Usman Baba, said he briefed the council on the threat to national security across the six-geo political zones of the country, adding that the security situation is fast improving.
He said: “There are peculiarities, like i said before, in the South East and south-south is the issue of secessionist agenda championed by IPOB, I also talked about terrorism and religious bigotry in the North East. I also talked about the issue of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and cultism as it affects the North Central and North West and South West.
“I gave a synopsis in terms of what we are doing to address this situation. I also thanked Mr President for providing additional logistics in terms of carrying out our duties and responsibilities.
“In collaboration with other security agencies, we try to checkmate other forms of lawlessness; criminality and unlawful agitation in order to ensure lives and property are saved and at the same time allow Nigerian citizens go about their lawful business.
“What is seriously worrisome in the South East, but it is gradually being checked and results are positive as regards the attacks and killings of security agents and assets belonging to the federal government. Our ability to checkmate this lawlessness has improved and we are getting closer to something positive.”
On the alarm raised by South West leaders on invasion by foreign herdsmen, the IGP said it is being taken seriously.
“It’s a statement that will not be taken lightly, we are looking into it based on intelligence available to us and we will deal with the situation and those who are making the statement are also at liberty by national calling to substantiate to the nearest police station,” he added.
President Buhari had on April 6, appointed Baba as acting Inspector General of Police.
Baba was a Deputy Inspector General of Police before his promotion.
Nnenna.O
