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Tag: IGP

  • IGP orders police convoys to obey traffic rules

    IGP orders police convoys to obey traffic rules

    The acting Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, has directed all police convoys in the country to obey all traffic rules and regulations.

    According to the IGP, the force must obey traffic rules, regardless of their operations.

    The IG gave the directive on Monday during his meeting with the Mobile Police Squadron and commanders at the Force headquarters in Abuja.

    He noted that the Force must lead by example if it is to command the respect of the general public. He, therefore, pledged to lead by example, promising to also observe all traffic regulations.

    He said, “Let me end this speech by reminding you that those who keep the peace must be the epitome of peace. Those whose duty is to enforce the laws of the land must respect and obey the laws of the land. Without obeying the laws, the Police lack the moral high ground to interrogate and bring lawbreakers to book.

    “Consequently, in line with my vision of building a rule of law compliant Police Force, it is my directive that henceforth all police convoys on routine, non-emergency movements must obey traffic lights and other traffic rules, I pledge to lead by example in this regard. As you will be returning to your various bases, I wish you a safe journey and please be assured of my best wishes always.”

    Speaking further, the IG also said the newly created special squad—Special Intervention Squad—will comprise 40,000 specially trained officers, selected from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units across the country.

    He said, “Modalities for the creation of a new special squad—the Special Intervention Squad have been initiated. This special squad will consist of 40,000 specially trained elite officers. The Squad will be formed by selecting officers from the pool of existing Police Mobile Force personnel and all tactical units in the country.

    “These officers will undergo intensive pre-deployment training to make them combat-ready for frontline operational duties in all the states of the Federation, with a particular focus on areas plagued with unrest and turmoil. By pooling together the expertise and experience of our PMF personnel and other tactical units, we can establish a formidable force that is well-equipped to handle the evolving challenges we face.

    “This dedicated force will bolster our capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to security threats, ensuring that our presence is felt and our response is effective in every corner of our country.

    “1,000 personnel from this new squad will be deployed to every state of the Federation for immediate operations as standby intervention units, while more troubled spots or zones will receive the remaining officers out of the 40,000.

    “These officers will not perform routine police duties but will be housed and kept combat-ready at all times, engaging in daily training in readiness for deployments to intercept and neutralize high-profile criminals and those terrorizing our communities. They will be deployed to intervene rapidly and proactively in any situation necessary in their states of assignment”, Egbetokun said.

  • I’ll not tolerate misconduct, corruption, abuse of power – IGP warns police officers

    I’ll not tolerate misconduct, corruption, abuse of power – IGP warns police officers

    The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP),Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, has warned men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force that his administration will not tolerate misconduct and abuse of power.

    Egbetokun made this warning after taking over the mantle of leadership from the outgoing IGP, Alkali Baba Usman in Wednesday in Abuja.

    The Acting IGP disclosed that his team will introduce proactive steps to instill discipline across all ranks of the Force.

    “Accountability will be the cornerstone of my tenure as the Inspector General of Police. I am committed to fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and respect within the Police Force.

    “We will prioritize new ways of recruiting, training, and equipping our officers to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their duties efficiently, and with excellence and this we will do to the admiration of the people that we serve.”

    While revealing that his administration will hold accountable those who betray the public’s trust, he said: “To regain the trust of the Nigerian people, we will establish a robust internal system to investigate allegations of misconduct within the Police Force. Additionally, we will actively promote a working culture that will encourage officers and citizens alike to report instances of corruption or abuse they may witness.”

    The Acting IGP said that the police force under his watch will be a beacon of integrity and that: “We will hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

    “Henceforth, every police officer will be selected not only for their skills but also for their compassion, empathy, and commitment to public service.

    “We will invest in innovative ways to foster ongoing training, promoting a culture of continuous learning where we adapt to the evolving needs of our communities and the challenges of our times.

    “Furthermore, we will embark on an ambitious and visible program of community policing. We recognize that the true measure of our success lies in the safety and well-being of our communities.

    “To achieve this, we will forge stronger ties between the police and the public, fostering an environment of mutual trust and cooperation.

    “Regular citizen engagement and community interaction programs will create meaningful dialogue and collaboration opportunities.”

    IGP Egbetokun Olukayode noted that the fight against crime and insecurity will receive top priority in his administration.

    “The fight against crime and insecurity will also be a top priority as well as the welfare of our officers.

    “We will strengthen our intelligence-gathering capabilities, bolster inter-agency cooperation, and enhance our capacity to respond swiftly to emerging security threats.

    “In the coming days and weeks, we will unveil plans and strategies to secure the nation and build enduring peace across our communities.

    “We are the Nigeria Police Force and we will live up to our constitutional obligation as the primary agency for internal peace in Nigeria. We will be bold about this duty.

    “We will also adopt a technology-driven approach to law enforcement, leveraging modern tools and techniques to ensure the effective and efficient deployment of our resources.

    “New policies to promote the welfare of officers will be implemented in the months ahead. We will provide support structures for our police officers that will cater for their peculiar physical, psychological and emotional needs as law enforcement officers.

    “We will introduce unprecedented well-being programs to strengthen the hearts and minds of every officer.”

    He, therefore, called on Nigerians to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in what he described as the transformative journey.

    “The challenges we face are not insurmountable if we stand together as a united front. I encourage every Nigerian to embrace civic duty, report suspicious activities, and work hand in hand with the police to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria for all.

    “Let me reiterate my unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, security, and the rule of law. The Nigeria Police Force, under my leadership, will strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability.”

  • I’m leaving Nigeria Police better than I met it – Former IG, Baba

    I’m leaving Nigeria Police better than I met it – Former IG, Baba

    Immediate past Inspector-General of Police (I-G), retired Mr Usman Baba said in Abuja on Wednesday that he left the Nigeria Police Force better than he met it on his appointment in 2021.

    “As I exit the leadership of the Force today, I believe that I am leaving it better than I met it.

    “I believe that I have added value to policing in Nigeria,’’ he said while handing over the rein of authority to the newly-appointed Acting I-G, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

    Baba said he had set out to positively change policing narratives in Nigeria by laying out well-articulated vision and mission objectives upon his appointment.

    The former I-G said he had pledged to address the welfare concerns of serving and retired officers and enhance the operational capacity of the Force through the procurement of critical operational assets.

    He said he also set out to reposition special detachments of the Force, particularly the Marine and Air wings, the Special Forces, Police Mobile Force, Counterterrorism Unit and the Special Protection Unit.

    He added that he also strove to enhance the intelligence capacity of the Force through the push for the Cam Scanner upgrade of the Technical Intelligence assets.

    “I am convinced that steady progress has been made in all components of my promise to change policing narratives and restore the dwindling police primacy within the internal security architecture of the country.

    “We might not be there yet, but certainly the pathways have been clearly defined; firm foundation built, and giant strides taken.

    “These are for the new leadership to leverage on in the quest for a better Police Force,’’ he stressed.

    Baba commended the Nigeria Police family for loyalty, sacrifice, and duty orientation, which, he said aided his administration to attain most of its set leadership visions and targets.

    “I specially thank members of the Force Management Team for being strategic partners all through my leadership journey,’’ he said.

    Responding, Acting I-G Egbetokun commended President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him.

    He said his appointment was a call to commitment and a platform to make a difference in the shared mission of the president to safeguard the lives and well-being of Nigerians.

    Egbetokun said the Nigeria Police Force, under his leadership, would strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability to rebuild public trust.

    He said his administration would also strive to restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions and create a Nigeria where every citizen would feel safe, protected and respected.

    Egbetokun pledged to unveil new tactics to release the great potential of the Nigeria Police to secure the country, build lasting peace and deliver on the vision of the president.

  • Egbetokun assumes duty as 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police

    Egbetokun assumes duty as 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police

    The newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, on Wednesday assumed duty.

    Egbetokun was appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Monday
    19th June.

    He takes over from IGP Usman Alkali Baba,  who retired after 35years of meritorious service to the nation.

    The handing/taking over of leadership between the former and new Police Chief was held in a brief but colourful ceremony at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The event was climaxed with the symbolic handover of the Nigeria National and Police flags.

    A statement issued by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, in Abuja, Wednesday, said the new IGP, who is the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, appreciated President Tinubu
    for the confidence reposed in him.

    According to the IGP, the appointment is a commitment, a calling to make a difference in the shared mission to safeguard the lives and well-being of everyone that lives in Nigeria.

    Egbetokun hails from Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. He was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force on 3rd March, 1990 as a member of Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police Course 16 from the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy. He holds a Doctorate degree in Peace and Security Studies, a Post Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Economics, a Masters in Business Administration, a Certification in Electronic Data Processing/Computer Programming, a Masters in Engineering Analysis, and a Bachelors in Mathematics.

    The statement reads: “The amiable policing strategist and accountability icon, has held several strategic positions in the past cutting across all the departments of the Force. These include: Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Lagos State Command, Area Commander Osogbo, Osun State, and Gusuau, Zamfara State, Commandant Police Training School Ikeja, Commissioner of Police Explosive Ordnance Department, Commissioner of Police Kwara State Command, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Abuja amongst others. Until his appointment as the Ag. IGP, he was the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.

    “The new Ag. IGP Egbetokun Olukayode Adeolu, PhD, NPM, holds an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice, security, and the rule of law. He assures that the Nigeria Police Force, under his leadership, will strive for excellence, transparency, and accountability to rebuild public trust, restore confidence in our law enforcement institutions, and create a Nigeria where every citizen feels safe, protected, and respected.”

     

  • I will rid the country of criminality – Egbetokun

    I will rid the country of criminality – Egbetokun

    The new Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has promised to deal with criminals and rid the country of criminality.

    Egbetokun made this known on Tuesday when he was being decorated by Nigeria’s vice president, Kassim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Recall that President Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as the acting IGP yesterday.

    Egbetokun said “now that I have just been decorated, I am looking forward to taking over tomorrow morning at 11 am.

    “I really can’t describe how I feel presently, but if I have to tell you anything, I will tell you that right now I feel like a tiger inside of me, ready to chase away all the criminals in Nigeria.

    “And at other times, I feel like a lion in me, ready to devour all the internal enemies of Nigeria. That’s my feeling right now,” said the newly appointed IGP.

    Egbetokun’s predecessor, former IG Baba Alkali, expressed his confidence in the new leader, emphasizing their shared history and their collaborative work over the years.

  • Federal High Court set aside earlier order on IGP Usman Baba’s continued stay in office

    Federal High Court set aside earlier order on IGP Usman Baba’s continued stay in office

    The Federal High Court sitting in Akwa has set aside the earlier judgment on the alleged illegality of the continued stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba.

    The court order  delivered on May 19, 2023 was set aside by the presiding judge, Justice Roman

    The judgement of the court followed the application filed by the Inspector General of Police through his counsel challenging the earlier verdict on the ground that he was not served and, thus, not heard in the suit, which was his constitutional right.

    The applicant argued that the suit was caught up by the principle of res judicata, having been adjudicated upon based on the same issues and facts being canvassed by the plaintiff.

    The plaintiff, Okechukwu Nwafor, had instituted the suit at the Federal High Court, seeking a declaration that Usman Alkali Baba should vacate office after attaining the age of retirement.

    The verdict is said to nullify the earlier one.

  • Police debunks Alkali sack, says he remains the IGP

    Police debunks Alkali sack, says he remains the IGP

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has urged Nigerians to disregard the false news circulating on social media about the sack of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba.

    Police spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Monday, said Alkali remains the IGP and will carry out his responsibilities as such.

    “The Nigeria Police wishes to urge the general public to disregard the false news making the rounds on social media alleging the sack of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, by a Federal High Court in Awka,” Adejobi stated.

    “The said judgment is subject to appeal and the alleged news is thus false, unfounded, and perceived to be the handiwork of mischief makers.”

    Adejobi stated that IGP Alkali was appointed in a letter-number SGF.20/S.6/83 dated 30th Nov 2021 for a 4-year tenure and his stay in office is within the purview of his appointment.

    According to him, it is imperative to note that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, dismissed a suit that sought to compel the IGP to vacate his office on March 1, 2023.

    The Federal High Court, in the judgment delivered by Justice J. K. Omotosho, had held that going by the provision of Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020, anyone appointed as the IGP has a statutorily recognized four-year tenure.

    Adejobi explained that Omotosho described the IGP’s four-year tenure as sacrosanct, stressing that his retirement as the IGP had nothing to do with age or years of service.

    The Police spokesman further said that it is pertinent to state that maintaining the four-year period for individuals appointed as IGP is being institutionalized by the provisions of the law, not on personal grounds to favour an individual, but for the general betterment of the Nigeria Police Force.

    “Consequently, members of the public are on this notice advised to ignore the false news making the rounds on social media,” he said.

    “IGP Usman Alkali Baba remains the Inspector-General of Police and is duty-bound to execute the responsibilities of the office in accordance with extant laws.”

  • Seun Kuti speaks out on altercation with police officer, welcomes investigation

    Seun Kuti speaks out on altercation with police officer, welcomes investigation

    Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has provided an explanation for his recent altercation with a police officer, captured on video, stating that he welcomes the investigation and will cooperate fully.

    According to Seun, the officer had allegedly attempted to harm him and his family, and he claims to have evidence supporting his accusations.

    While he has accepted the officer’s apology and decided not to press charges, he has urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to hold accountable anyone found to be at fault.

    The incident occurred when Seun was filmed assaulting a police officer in uniform, leading to the IGP ordering his arrest.

    IGP orders Seun Kuti’s arrest after video captured him assaulting a policeofficer on third mainland bridge on Saturday 13th May, 2023.

    In the video, Seun can be seen shoving and slapping the officer, who remained calm throughout the altercation. When a female passenger from Seun’s vehicle attempted to intervene, he instructed her to return to the vehicle, and she complied immediately.

    In response to the incident, some Nigerians have criticized Seun for his outburst and called for him to offer an unconditional apology for his actions.

    On social media, users expressed their opinions on the matter. @MrFresh_ibk tweeted, “Apologize Seun. You really need to tender a genuine apology, not for the sake of anything but for the sake of history and sanity in this country. We cannot continue to give any hint that this behavior is acceptable in any way if we are advocates of REAL democracy.”

    Similarly, @Onuohafayz commented, “If the video wasn’t a skit, then baba, you should be in jail. There is no justification whatsoever for slapping an officer of the law.”

    However, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, came to Seun’s defense, suggesting that the altercation may have been politically motivated due to Seun’s affiliation.

    Sowore tweeted, “There is nothing wrong if you admit that you want Seun Kuti summarily executed because he did not support Peter Obi for President during the 2023 presidential election.”

    Assaulting a law enforcement officer is considered a felony under Nigerian law, punishable by up to three years in prison, as stated in section 356 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act.

    The IGP has ordered a swift and thorough investigation into the incident to determine the underlying causes and prosecute the suspect accordingly.

    Baba assured Nigerians that acts of contempt or disdain towards symbols of authority will not be tolerated, and those responsible for such crimes will be brought to justice.

  • IGP orders swift conclusion of investigations into electoral offences

    IGP orders swift conclusion of investigations into electoral offences

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered swift conclusion of all investigations related to violations of the Electoral Act during the Feb. 25 elections.

    Baba gave the order to Commissioners of Police in charge of commands nationwide.

    In a statement issued by the force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in Abuja on Monday, the IGP said such case files should be forwarded to INEC for prosecution of the suspects.

    He directed the commissioners to avoid further delay and ensure thoroughness in the investigations.

    On the forthcoming elections, Baba told the police commissioners to engage stakeholders in their jurisdictions through town hall meetings and other viable avenues to ensure a smooth exercise.

    The IGP said the police would operate in a manner that will allow Nigerians to actively participate in the March 18 Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    He urged men and officers of the force to ensure an all-inclusive election security management during the polls.

    Baba also enjoined the public to cooperate with the police and other law enforcement agencies to ensure effective security during the elections.

    ”Our interest is to protect everybody, the electorate, accredited observers, INEC officials and materials,” he said.

  • “We are investigating incitement by governors over naira scarcity” – IGP

    “We are investigating incitement by governors over naira scarcity” – IGP

    Police are investigating some governors and individuals whose utterances are considered to have incited riots over the naira redesign policy of the CBN.

    Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Usman Alkali, made this known in Abuja on Wednesday while fielding questions from State House correspondents.

    He was accompanied to the news conference by the Attorney-General of Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, at the end of Wednesday’s National Security Council meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Alkali said those found guilty would definitely be prosecuted.

    He maintained that the police were not in position to prosecute culpable governors because they enjoyed immunity.

    Govs. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, had openly condemned and denigrated the implementation of the naira swap policy.

    They asked people in their states to continue to spend the old N500 and N1000 as legal tenders.

    “We all know why the governors have not been cautioned. We are investigating. Whoever does anything can be investigated.

    “However, there are some people who have immunity. I think that is one of the reasons why they have not been cautioned.

    “The immunity will not stop us from cautioning them; from warning them; from advising them; and we are doing so,’’ he said.

    According to the IGP, the police have done what is required to calm the situation and stabilise the polity, assuring that there won’t be security issues on Election Day.

    Speaking on the outcome of the security meeting, Malami said the Council resolved that there was no going back on the Feb. 25 and March 11 elections.

    He said the conclusion was reached after security chiefs briefed the Council on their level of preparedness for the elections.

    He noted that INEC had also expressed its preparedness to conduct the elections.

    “The summary and conclusion of all submissions was to the effect that the system is wholeheartedly ready for the conduct of the elections.

    “Arising there from, the position of government and the position of the president are to the effect that the elections are holding on Feb 25 and on March 11.

    “Mr President and the National Security Council are happy with the preparations on ground and wholehearted arrangements are put in place in that direction,’’ Malami stressed.