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Tag: IGP

  • Police are technologically equipped to tackle insecurity in Nigeria – IGP

    Police are technologically equipped to tackle insecurity in Nigeria – IGP

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, says the Police Force was deploying technology in virtually all areas of its operations, in tackling new waves of crimes in the country.

    The IGP said this on Wednesday while addressing officers and men of Akwa Ibom Command at its headquarters in Uyo, before proceeding to Onna Local Government to inaugurate the Special Protection Unit base.

    He charged officers and men to redouble their efforts in crime prevention, stressing that the changing nature of criminality had brought about the introduction of technology in fighting crimes.

    He said the Marine unit had been reactivated, crime section digitalised, drones acquired, while the Technical Intelligence Unit was fully functional to cope with new trends in crimes and criminalities.

    He said the police must work with time and modern technology to contain the ever dynamic crime wave.

    “Crime and criminality is a dynamic thing; it is not something that is static. It moves with time, it moves with modernisation, it moves with technology.

    “Nobody has ever told us that human beings can be stolen, now we see human beings being stolen and taken away and they’re asking you to bring money.

    “That is new crime which is called kidnapping. We know of armed robbery and now we started hearing of armed banditry.

    “So, we must work with modernity, and therefore one of our cardinal principles in the job now is to train and retrain ourselves.

    “So, training is the cardinal point of our administration. We just started training our 10,000 recruits and we have been able to change the curriculum to reflect modernism.

    “Since we came we have gotten a lot, we have just been given 200 brand new pick up vehicles that are very strong by the Police Trust Fund.

    “We have made our Airwings very effective, we are proud of putting six helicopters in the air at one time.

    “Our Marine segment has been reactivated, our Technical Intelligence Unit is working. We have acquired drones, we have digitalised our crime section. We have involved a lot of technology in our work,” Baba said.

    The IGP urged police officers to constantly educate themselves by reading and listening to news on television in order to acquaint themselves with latest happenings in the society.

    He noted that before the launch of Operation Restore Peace to the South East, the secessionists had demoralised the workforce with unprovoked attacks and killings.

    In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, CP Andrew Amiengheme, commended the inspector general for his result-oriented policies which are in line with global best practice.

    Amiengheme lamented that there had been unprovoked attacks since he assumed office as the 30th commissioner of Police.

    He commended the collaboration between the Nigeria Police and the support of the state government in crime fighting and prevention in the state.

  • Insecurity: Buhari sets agenda for IGP, entire force as Nigerian senior police officer is elected Vice President of INTERPOL

    Insecurity: Buhari sets agenda for IGP, entire force as Nigerian senior police officer is elected Vice President of INTERPOL

    President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to fully take advantage of Nigeria’s new position at the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO), also known as INTERPOL, to reinforce the campaign against insecurity in the country.

    The President spoke yesterday when he received in audience the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, who was at the Presidential Villa to present to him AIG Garba Baba Umar, a Nigerian senior police officer who was recently elected as Vice President (Africa) and Executive Committee Member of INTERPOL.

    While congratulating the IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, who was also at the event, for having one of his men representing the whole of Africa, President Buhari said the new position should be used to encourage security personnel to put more effort into coping with their task of subduing insecurity in the country.

    “This is very good for our Police and I hope that the IGP would take note. Now that one of you is representing the whole of Africa, it is something that you must take to the police, especially the officer corps so that they can put in more effort in trying to cope with our security challenges,” he said.

    The President also extended his congratulations to the new Vice President of INTERPOL, urging him not to relent on his good records.

    The Minster of Police Affairs, in his remarks, said AIG Garba Baba Umar had always distinguished himself in the service in various capacities and his election into the prestigious seat was well merited.

    AIG Umar was elected into the position on November 25, 2021 at the 89th General Assembly of INTERPOL which held in Istanbul, Turkey.

  • Those behind rocket attacks during Buhari’s visit to Maiduguri eliminated – IGP

    Those behind rocket attacks during Buhari’s visit to Maiduguri eliminated – IGP

    Some of the suspected terrorists who masterminded Thursday’s rocket attacks on Maiduguri ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit have been eliminated, Police Inspector-General Alkali Baba Usman revealed yesterday.

    The IGP broke the news to State House correspondents as he emerged from a meeting of the Security Council at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The police chief, with who was Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, said though government and the security circle were particularly concerned about the rocket attacks, the target of the terrorists was defeated by security forces.

    The meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Usman said that Buhari, during yesterday’s security meeting, tasked all security and intelligence chiefs in attendance to increase the heat against terrorists and other criminals.

    Responding to a question on the rocket attacks, Usman said: “Yes, it has been done before and it has also been done even after that. Some of those who must have planned and thrown those rockets have been taken out.

    “Their launching into major towns, their launch in Maiduguri is a serious concern and it has been seriously checkmated and there are efforts to continuously checkmate it.

    “What they did yesterday (Thursday), yes they have done it, but to a large extent they have not achieved much of what they intended to achieve because of the security, particularly the military, put in place.”

    Speaking on the instructions of President Buhari to security and intelligence chiefs on new threats, Usman said they were asked to spare no terrorist or criminal, adding that the target now should be crime prevention.

    “The marching orders are always the same; you have even told Nigerians the marching orders of the President. It has always been the same. There is no space, there is no tolerance of any threat to security.

    “There is no sparing of any terrorist and there must be an intelligence gathering. There must be proactive prevention of crime and there must be checkmating of all those that are involved in criminal activities, whether it be terrorism, banditry or armed robbery or whatever, and that is what we are trying to do to the best of our knowledge and ability,” he said.

  • Yuletide: IGP orders round-the-clock visibility patrols

    Yuletide: IGP orders round-the-clock visibility patrols

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to initiate and implement well-coordinated crime prevention strategies and ensure round-the-clock visibility patrols towards peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations in the country.

    The IGP in a statement on Thursday noted that achieving a crime and crisis free Yuletide is of utmost priority to the Force and the nation at large, as it adds to the build-up into a new year.

    He assured citizens of adequate security throughout the period of the celebration and beyond, adding that the AIGs and CPs have been directed to massively deploy human, intelligence and other operational assets of the Force at their disposal to all public places including residential areas, places of worship, recreational centres, financial institutions, market places, motor-parks, major highways, airports, railway stations, amongst others, to protect the citizens and critical national infrastructure (CNI).

    In addition, the IGP warned police personnel deployed for duties during the Yuletide season, particularly those deployed to secure the highways across the country, to desist from acts inimical to discipline and professionalism.

    The police boss equally enjoined citizens to cooperate with officers deployed for the assignments especially by being law abiding, noting that the Force remains sensitive to issues of rights violations, illegitimate use of force and has since deployed the Monitoring Unit, the X-Squad, and the Force Provost Unit on joint operation nationwide with a view to monitoring conducts of officers as citizens transit in and around the country during the festive season and holidays.

    While congratulating Christians in the country on the occasion of the 2021 celebration of the birth of Christ, the IGP thanked all Nigerians for supporting the Police and the security community in the fight against crimes and criminality.

    He urged citizens to go about the celebration in the spirit of love, sacrifice and to take protective measures to reduce exposure to security risks and the new wave of the COVID-19 variant.

    IGP Alkali Baba further emphasized that citizens should keep police emergency phone lines handy or contact the nearest police station in the event of any untoward situation that may pose threats to public peace, safety and security.

    The IGP, on behalf of the Force Management Team and entire officers of the Force, wished Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year, and assured citizens that service delivery will be improved in the coming year, 2022.

  • Hushpuppi: IGP submits report on suspended DCP Abba Kyari to PSC six months after FBI indictment

    Hushpuppi: IGP submits report on suspended DCP Abba Kyari to PSC six months after FBI indictment

    Indications emerged on Sunday that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba has finally submitted disciplinary recommendations on the alleged role of the suspended Head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Abba Kyari a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to the Police.

    The submission to the Service Commission (PSC) was months after he received the report of the probe panel. Kyari was investigated for his alleged role in a $1.1 million internet scam carried out by an Instagram influencer, Abbas Ramon (aka Hushpuppi) and four others.

    The probe followed Kyari’s indictment by the United States (U.S.) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which recommended that the cop be extradited to the U.S. to face trial.

    A member of the PSC, Braimoh Adogame Austin said the commission will start deliberations on the issue this week.

    The Dubai Police in the United Arab Emirates had in June 2020 arrested Hushpuppi and his gang. They were later extradited to the US for prosecution by the FBI.

    The FBI Special Agent, Andrew Innocenti, had alleged that Hushpuppi contracted the services of Kyari after a “co-conspirator,” Chibuzo Vincent, allegedly threatened to expose the alleged $1.1m fraud committed against a Qatari businessman.

    Kyari had taken to Facebook on July 29, 2021 to deny the allegations, but he later deleted the post after editing it about 12 times.

    The IG had recommended the suspension of Kyari, which the PSC carried out on July 31.

    The police boss had on August 2 constituted the Special Investigation Panel, headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department, Joseph Egbunike, to probe the allegations.

    Submitting the panels’ report on August 26, Egbunike described it “as an outcome of a painstaking, transparent and exhaustive investigative process.”

    He revealed that the report contained the case file of the probe, evidence and findings as well as testimonies from Kyari and other persons and groups linked to the matter.

    Police Affairs Minister Maigari Dingyadi had on September 14, 2021, during a television interview said the findings and recommendations on Kyari had been submitted to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), for “legal opinion” and thereafter for presentation to the President, Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the final decision would be taken by the PSC.

    The recommendations of the FDC will inform the commission’s decision and also determine Kyari’s future in the force.

    Austin said: “The IGP has submitted Abba Kyari’s report to the PSC and deliberations on the matter will commence this week. I can’t tell you when it was submitted but it’s now with the commission.”

  • Investigate Uzodinma’s allegation that I am behind security crisis in Imo, Okorocha tells IGP

    Investigate Uzodinma’s allegation that I am behind security crisis in Imo, Okorocha tells IGP

    Former governor of Imo State Senator Rochas Okorocha has urged Inspector General of Police to investigate Governor Hope Uzodimma’s allegation that he is behind insecurity in the state.

    Governor Hope Uzodimma had accused Senator Rochas Okorocha of being behind the ugly and worrisome security situation in Imo State.

    The former governor on Saturday described Uzodimma’s statement as unguarded accusation.

    Okorocha in a statement he released by his Special Adviser on media, Sam Onwuemeodo said “Okorocha had, out of genuine and patriotic Concern about the Security Challenges of the State, which he governed for eight years and Orlu zone in particular, of which , he is the Senator, raised the issue at the Senate plenary.”

    He added “Okorocha had called for the intervention of the Senate and other relevant bodies and persons, all in an effort to see how to end the lingering security problem in Imo.

    “One had expected the Imo governor, to even Commend Okorocha for drawing the attention of the red chamber of the National Assembly to what has been going on in Imo, in terms of security challenges.

    Instead of taking that path, the lmo governor decided to take the route of abuses and propaganda against his brother Senator, who had governed the State before him and who is also the Senator of his Zone. He should have collaborated Okorocha’s fresh ideas on the floor of the Senate, on how to solve the Imo Security problem.

    “The good news is that, Nigerians in general and Imo people in particular, know Okorocha and his history. He has the history of peace, harmony and unity. The history of uplifting life and building the Nation. The history of tolerance. He has Conviviality as a guide or principle.

    “We would rather urge the Imo Governor to see every Imo man and woman as a Stakeholder in the Imo project. And carry everybody along to see how best, to bring out the long known peaceful State from the Current quagmire. This is not what Imo was known for. And all hands must be on deck, to get the problem solved. It does not require muscle-flexing. Or push me, I push you.

    “Having said all these, it is our candid request, that the Inspector-General of Police and other concerned security agencies, should investigate the Imo governor’s accusation against Okorocha, with the aim of finding out the truth or otherwise of this costly accusation. We would also delight that the outcome of their findings be made public, in due course.

    “Okorocha governed Imo for eight years and ensured enviable peace, water-tight Security, bubbling and lively State and would not imagine or have any reason to dream of encouraging security collapse in his dear State. This is not possible and can never be possible.

     

  • Appropriation: Remove police from envelope budgetary system, IGP urges NASS members

    Appropriation: Remove police from envelope budgetary system, IGP urges NASS members

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Alkali Baba on Wednesday pleaded with lawmakers to remove the police Force from the envelope budgetary system to enable it properly project its funding requirements for budgetary appropriation, operational planning and optimal service delivery.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports IGP Usman Alkali Baba made the plea when he appeared before the Joint Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives on Police Affairs for the 2022 budget appropriation defence.

    Alkali pleaded for the approval of adequate funds for the newly established Special Operations Account of the Force to enable the Nigeria Police effectively and promptly respond to unanticipated national security emergencies and to support on-going special operations across the country.

    He equally urged the Lawmakers to deploy their legislative instrumentality to make a strong case for the prompt and full release of funds appropriated to the Nigeria Police in the 2022 budget based on previous experience as funds duly approved in the passed budget were not being released as at when due

    He made a strong case for adequate budget provision of funds under the 2022 Budget for the Zonal Police Headquarters that were recently approved by Mr. President but which were yet to fully commence operations due to budgetary challenges.

    According to Alkali, newly approved Zones include ” Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo-Dunukofia, Awka-Anambra State; Zone 14 Headquarters, Katsina; Zone 15 Headquarters, Maidugun; one 16 Headquarters, Yenegoa and Zone 17 Headquarters, Akure respectively”

    He also sought for the approval and allocation funds for the operations of the Nigeria Police Special Operational and Tactical Units including the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Special Forces (SF), and Special Tactical Squads (STS) with a view to enhancing their critical internal security operations.

    The IGP’ in addition asked the Lawmakers to use their legislative instrument to approve a self-accounting status for Nigeria Police Training Institutions and Colleges in order to effectively position them for their human capacity development functions in furtherance to the long-term reform agenda of the Federal Government

    He however acknowledged the tremendous supports being received from the National Assembly since his assumption of office as the 21st indigenous Inspector General of Police which he said had a long way in boosting series of successes recorded in curbing cases of insecurity in the country, the IGP assured that the Nigeria Police Force under his watch would provide needed maximum security for all and sundry.

    ” I thank the Distinguished and Honourable Chairmen and members of the Senate and House Committees on Police Affairs for the opportunity of this unique interactive session and look forward for facilitation of the process of strengthening the budgetary allocation and implementation framework of the Nigeria Police Force

    ” I also renew the assurances of my firm determination to continue to synergise with the two Committees towards the repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force to attain our commonly held vision of a stable internal security order in the year 2022 and beyond”

    In his response, the Co-chairman of the Committee, Senator Haliru Dauda Jika assured that the 9th National Assembly would support the Nigeria Police Force its constitutional mandate through adequate budgetary allocation optimal Performance.

  • Senate tells IGP to publish investigative reports on raid of Justice Odili’s residence

    Senate tells IGP to publish investigative reports on raid of Justice Odili’s residence

    The Senate on Tuesday ordered the Inspector General of Police Ahmed Baba Alkali to publish the report of the investigation into the invasion of the residence of Justice Mary Odili’s house.

    The resolution of the Upper Chamber followed a point of order moved by Senator Betty Apiafi at plenary.

    The Senate strongly condemned the invasion allegedly carried out by security agents based on a controversial court order and described it as a breach of Justice Odili’s privacy.

  • Anambra Poll: IGP orders restriction of vehicular movement

    Anambra Poll: IGP orders restriction of vehicular movement

    Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in the state.

    The IGP in a statement issued on Thursday said the restriction is part of measures aimed at protecting the sanctity of the electoral process on November 6.

    According to the statement, there would be no movement of vehicles in and out of Anambra State from 11:59 pm on Friday, November 5 to 11:59 pm on Saturday, November 6.

    “The IGP noted that the restriction order has become necessary following pointers from the Election Security Threats Assessments conducted by the Force which indicate a high likelihood of infiltration by criminally-minded individuals to Anambra State, before, during and after the polls,” the statement read.

    “The IGP further noted that the measure would also avail security forces a firm grip of the State to checkmate the movement of political thugs and touts, and prevent the free flow, circulation and use of illicit arms and hard drugs throughout the period and beyond.”

    He equally enjoined officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited observers and journalists, and other authorized officials to go about their lawful duties as it relates to the elections, provided they observe all relevant rules guiding their deployment including the visible display of their accreditation tags.

    This is even as the police chief assured that police officers and other security personnel deployed for the election will be appropriately supervised to ensure they carry out their responsibilities in the most humane, firm and professional manner especially to emergency service providers such as fire-fighters and ambulance services.

    Baba enjoined citizens particularly motorists and travellers who may want to use the routes within Anambra State during the period of the restrictions to seek alternative routes and see the inconveniences as part of sacrifices toward the collective sustenance of our democracy.

    While noting that the Force and other security agencies are already on ground to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the elections, the IGP asked citizens in the state to go out en-masse on the Election Day and exercise their franchise without any fear or apprehension.

  • Police IG condemns invasion of Odili’s residence, orders probe

    Police IG condemns invasion of Odili’s residence, orders probe

    The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba Usman, has vowed to unravel the perpetrators and motives behind the breach of the Abuja residence of Justice Mary Odili, with a view to bringing all indicted persons to book.

    The IGP described the “violation of the sanctity of the residence of the Justice of the Supreme Court as unfortunate and unacceptable.”

    Already, IGP Usman has ordered detailed investigations into the reported invasion of the residence.

    The incident took place on Friday, October 29, 2021.

    The IGP, in a statement issued on Monday by CP Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, noted that the leadership of the Force is not aware and did not at any time order Police operatives to carry out such assignment.

    Consequently, the IGP has directed the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) to conduct a discrete investigation into the incident.

    He assured the commitment of the Force to the safety and security of the members of the Judiciary and Nigerians in general.

    Meanwhile, Usman has directed the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strengthen security around the street and residence of Her Lordship, Justice Mary Odili JSC to ensure her safety and also to prevent a reoccurrence of the unfortunate incident.

    The IGP assured that the details of Police investigations would be made public on conclusion of investigations.