The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ibrahim Idris

  • Buhari, IGP meet over Benue, Rivers killings

    Buhari, IGP meet over Benue, Rivers killings

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met behind closed doors with the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, over security situations in the country.

    Several people have been killed in many parts of the country including Benue and Rivers States in the last few days.

    Speaking with State House journalists after the meeting with the President, Idris said: “You know any time we meet Mr. President you know the area of discussion is how to have effective security of the nation.

    “You know I deployed my DIG there yesterday (Thursday) and you know we have different stages of police, you have the AIG in Benue, Commissioner of Police in Benue and all of them are putting their heads together to see how we address this issue of community problems in Benue.

    On the herdsmen killings, he added: “Like I said, you know we have different levels of police in this country. We have the Commissioner of Police in Benue, the AIG of Police in Benue, and yesterday I deployed my DIG operations there and definitely we are doing all we can to see we maintain law and order in all parts of the country.”

    “Let’s use the example of Benue, you know most of these states where you have several languages, you know is an issue of communal misunderstanding.

    “I think what we should be praying for is for Nigerians to learn to live in peace with each other, I think that is very important.”

    “You know every time we meet with the President he gives a charge. He said that we should go and take care and ensure that we tighten our security.

    “There are so many measures. For instance in Benue we are going to deploy more units to support the efforts the police is making in the state to ensure we have adequate protection to the men and communities and members.”

     

  • Constable dismissed for abducting teenage girl

    Constable dismissed for abducting teenage girl

    The Nasarawa State Police Command said it had dismissed a constable, Yaseer Sani, arrested for allegedly abducting a 14-year-old hawker, Halima Abdullahi, in Lafia.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer ( PPRO ), DSP Kennedy Idirisu, told  newsmen on Thursday in Lafia that  the culprit was dismissed after the disciplinary procedure had  been concluded.

    He said that the suspect was arrested in Angwan Reirei village following complaints from the victim’s guardian, Mr Umaru Saidu, that the girl was found in the house of the suspect when she left home to hawk soya beans on December 29, 2017.

    Idirisu said that the command also arrested another suspect, Wisdom Yakubu, residing in Ombi II in Lafia on December 29, 2017 for allegedly raping 11-year-old girl.

    The arrest followed a report by the victim’s uncle, Mr  Alheri Moses.

    Idirisu said that the command’s Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department had begun investigations into the two cases.

    He said that  the  suspects would soon be arraigned in court.

    The PPRO said that the command had zero-tolerance for corruption and unprofessional conduct by police personnel.

    He said the the command was determined to purge itself of bad eggs in line with  the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris.

    Read also: Updated: Ekiti killer policeman dismissed

    He, therefore, urged the public to report any act capable of breaching public peace to the nearest police station or any of the following emergency numbers: 08108795930 08112692680 and 08123821571.

    “The Command is also using this medium to reassure members of the public, particularly those living in communities bordering Benue State of their safety.

    “To ease the current public apprehension in the areas following the influx of people into Nasarawa State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Ahmed, has ordered the relocation of the Area Commander Lafia and deployment of additional police personnel and vehicles for patrol and visibility policing in the affected communities,” Idirisu said.

    NAN

  • ‘Be loyal to the country’, IGP tells officers

    ‘Be loyal to the country’, IGP tells officers

    The Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, has enjoined officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to rededicate themselves to their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property of Nigerians and foreigners resident in the country.

    Idris also called for diligence among the personnel even in the face of “undue hostility and unwarranted criticism of members of the force and its leadership by a spectrum of the Nigerian society in recent times”.

    He made the call at a get-together organised by the family and friends of a Cadet Inspector, Mr Idris Baba-Mohammed, at the Bida campus of the Niger Polytechnic, over his recent successful passing out and Presidential Commissioning from the force.

    Represented at the occasion by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Dibal Yakadi, the inspector-general described police job as one of the best jobs in the world.

    He, however, said that the job could also be hazardous, sometimes.

    He further said if the officers and men of the force, including the celebrator, were genuinely busy protecting lives and property of other people in the larger society without getting involved in unwholesome practices, God would also bless and protect such members and their families.

    Idris, therefore, advised the celebrator, including officers and men of the force, to further rededicate themselves in the service of their fatherland, exhibit discipline, be upright in their official conduct and obey lawful orders.

    “ You should always be courageous, prayerful, shun unwholesome acts capable of tarnishing your names, families and that of the Nigeria Police.

    “Be loyal to the country and constituted authority and make sure you always obey lawful orders and be prayerful at all times for Allah’s protection and blessings.”

    He stressed that if all the instructions were properly observed, they would get to the peak of their career, just as he warned the commissioned cadet to remain focused and make up his mind not to be influenced negatively by worldly things.

    NAN

     

  • SARS personnel to undergo mental test

    SARS personnel to undergo mental test

    As part of measures to reform the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, said on Friday that personnel of SARS would undergo a mental test.

    He said the test is to ascertain their level of preparedness on the field and reduce cases of extrajudicial killings.

    Idris, who also warned the SARS personnel not delve into civil matters, added that failure to comply with the new directives would attract adequate sanction.

    He spoke in Abuja during a lecture with the field Commanders of SARS from various parts of the country.

    The IGP also said the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations would now lead SARS as the Strategic Commander.

    On the mental test, Idris said: “As part of ways to reform SARS, psychometric test, training and continuous assessment of operatives deployed to SARS to determine the suitability or otherwise of their role in keeping with acceptable standard operating procedure would be conducted.”

    As a way to curtail their excesses, Idris also said the personnel would now operate in official uniforms which would be clearly marked for easy identification.

    He added: “SARS operatives are prohibited from acting as bodyguards, delving into land matters, personal disputes, disputes, debt collection and matters that are considered civil.

    “They are also prohibited from conducting stop and search on roads unless when necessary and can only embark on operations only on the permission of the CP in charge of SARS, Deputy Commissioners and ACPs operations in the Commands they are answerable to.”

  • Bayelsa: Abductors of Monarch’s wife demand N100m

    Bayelsa: Abductors of Monarch’s wife demand N100m

    Abductors of Mrs Tina Inegbagha, the wife of the paramount ruler of Ayakoro community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, have demanded a ransom of N100 million to free her from  captivity.

    It would be recalled that some yet to be identified gunmen, had on December 16, invaded the coastal settlement to abduct the monarch’s wife and Mr Egele Jack, the Principal of Government Craft Development Centre, Ayakoro.

    Mr Majesty Inegbagha, a member of the monarch’s family, said the abductors had now contacted the family with the demand.

    “The ruler, who is my elder brother confirmed that the kidnappers called him and demanded for the sum of N100 million.

    “Although, the family is pleased to know that the woman is alive, the thought of raising that sum of money has created additional challenge to the family,’’ Inegbagha said.

    Read also: Abductors of PDP chair demand N100m – Police confirm

    He expressed optimism that the ruler’s wife and the school principal would regain their freedom, following prayers and the efforts by security agencies.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Asuquo Amba, said that the incident was being investigated.

    Amba also said that following the upsurge in violent crimes in Bayelsa, the Inspector-General of Police ( I-G ), Ibrahim Idris, had sent a special squad to complement the efforts of the state police command.

    NAN

  • I-G: Police will partner with students on security

    I-G: Police will partner with students on security

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, on Friday said that the Nigeria Police Force would partner with Nigerian students to fight crimes in the country.

    Idris stated this when officials of the National Association of Polytechnic Students ( NAPS ) honoured him with Chief Peace Builder award in Abuja.

    He also assured the students of the readiness of the police to partner with them in ensuring security of lives and property on campuses.

    The police boss, however, appealed to them to always volunteer useful information on suspicious people within their domain.

    Read also: Students face hardship to get education, says Falana

    Idris said he was encouraged by the award and promised to step up the fight against crimes in the society.

    He appealed to the people to develop cordial relationship with the police stressing, “the police is your friend, especially you, the law-abiding citizens”.

    Presenting the award, the National President of the association, Mr Adeyeye Olugbenga, said the award was in recognition of his untiring efforts at promoting peace through proactive policing.

    Olugbenga commended the police for curtailing cultism on campuses and tackling cattle rustling, armed robbery, kidnapping and other social vices in the country.

    The student leader assured the law enforcement agents of their support in the fight against criminality in the country.

    He, however, called on the police to do more, especially during the yuletide, to enable the people to enjoy crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    NAN

  • 2019: IGP warns officers on ‘political temptations’

    2019: IGP warns officers on ‘political temptations’

    The Inspector General of Police ( IGP ), Ibrahim Idris, on Wednesday warned police officers to avoid temptation from political actors as the 2019 election draws near.

    Describing the election year as “critical,” the police chief urged police personnel to be professional and steadfast.

    He made the call during the last meeting of the year with commissioners of police and other senior officers in Abuja.

    And, contrary to claims that the police has continued to disobey court order which asked it to unseal the Peace Corp headquarters building located in Jabi area of Abuja, Idris said the Force has appealed the court order.

    He said police has asked the court to stay execution of judgment on the matter.

    He said the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) would now focus on violent crimes.

    On the 2019 election,  he said: “Officers should be aware that from next year,  we are entering critical phase in the political space of this country and this critical phase include most of the election that would be conducted.

    “Officers should be steadfast and obviously do their best to ensure that wherever you find yourselves, that you do your utmost best to ensure that the political situation be handled maturely and orderly.

    “We have to avoid temptations wherever we find ourselves. Try to avoid temptation from political actors and other people that may try to tempt you at the cost of having a smooth election.

    “We need to be professional, especially in the coming years when election would be conducted.

    “Our job is a difficult job because we are close to the civil population more than any security agency and I think at various levels, CPs should imbibe it in their officers the need to be very available and professional with the civilian population because they have trust in us and we have to serve the interest of the generality of Nigerians in ensuring that we have a fair and just election.”

     

  • 2019 elections: IGP warns officers against unethical conduct

    2019 elections: IGP warns officers against unethical conduct

    The Inspector-General of Police ( IGP ), Mr Ibrahim Idris, on Tuesday warned officers of the  Nigeria Police Force against unethical conduct during the 2019 general elections.

    Idris gave the warning at the monthly meeting with officers of the rank of Commissioners of Police and above in Abuja.

    He also urged them to avoid temptations from politicians who would want to compromise them, adding that the force was doing its best within limited resources.

    “You have to avoid temptations from political actors at the cost of having smooth and credible elections in 2019,“he said.

    Idris said there was need for officers and men of the force to be steadfast in carrying out their duties professionally.

    He charged commissioners of the various commands to impress it on their officers to be civil in discharging their duties.

    The high point of the meeting was the decoration of 15 commissioners of police by the inspector-general, among them was Danjuma Ibrahim, who was recently discharged and acquitted over the killing of the Apo six traders.

    Read also: Our plans for 2019 elections, by INEC, AGF, IGP, Rep

    Meanwhile, the police said it had appealed a Federal High Court judgment awarding the Peace Corps of Nigeria a N12.5 million compensation for unlawful arrest and detention of its officials.

    The Commissioner of Police in charge of the legal department, Mr David Igbodo, who disclosed this, said the force was a law abiding institution.

    “We are on appeal and we have transmitted records to the Court of Appeal, until the full process of the court is completed, no action will be taken about the Peace Corps,“he said.

    The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on November 9 ordered the Nigeria Police to pay N12.5 million to the Peace Corps of Nigeria as compensation for unlawful arrest and detention of its officials and unseal its headquarters in Abuja.

    On the reorganisation of the Special Anti Robbery Squad ( SARS ), the police said it was ongoing.

    The commissioner of police in charge of SARS, Mr Haliru Gwandu, made the disclosure at the Inspector-General of police monthly meeting  with senior officers in Abuja.

    He explained that after reorganisation, the unit would only concentrate on violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery.

    Gwandu said at the completion of the ongoing reorganisation of the unit, the issue of extrajudicial killings in the country would be a thing of the past.

    He said there would be training and retraining of personnel of the unit to enhance efficiency.

    Some group of Nigerians recently in the social media, called for the scrapping of SARS over alleged harassment of innocent Nigerians, using the #EndSARS.

    NAN

  • Police arrest suspected killers of oil firm manager in Rivers

    Police arrest suspected killers of oil firm manager in Rivers

    The police have arrested seven suspects who allegedly kidnapped and murdered a 64-year-old man, Mr Ubani Onyema, after collecting N10 million ransom.

    Team Commander, Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team ( IRT ), Abba Kyari, confirmed the arrest  on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Kyari, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the victim, a production manager in Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Ltd., was kidnapped by gunmen in Woji area of Port Harcourt on October 16.

    He said that a ransom call was made to the hostage’s company demanding N100 million.

    “Eventually, the ransom was negotiated down to N10 million, which was paid to the kidnappers despite not getting a proof of life.

    “IRT operatives deployed to Port Harcourt by IGP Ibrahim Idris swung into action as the hostage was not released after the ransom was paid as negotiated and agreed.

    “Unrelenting follow up by the IRT eventually led to the arrest of seven of the kidnappers. Suspects confessed to various roles each played in the kidnap.

    “They admitted that the victim died on the very day of his kidnap as a result of gunshot wounds he sustained during the incident.

    “They still went ahead to collect a ransom of N10 million,” Kyari said.

    Read also: Police arrest suspected armed robbers in Jigawa

    He said that the arrested suspects, including the gang leader, allegedly confessed to the crime.

    According to him, the gang leader organised the kidnap and recruited the hostage keepers who brought the two cars used while his deputy purchased the pre-registered SIM used in negotiating and picking up the ransom.

    Among the kidnap masterminds were three men who worked in the same company with the victim and a cultist who provided the arms.

    “Items recovered from the gang include one AK-47 rifle and two vehicles used in the kidnap.

    “Effort is ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members, recover arms and the body of the victim which they confessed to have dumped into a river,” Kyari said.

    NAN

  • Police contributes N10bn to National housing fund – IGP

    Police contributes N10bn to National housing fund – IGP

    The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday said it had contributed over N10 billion in remittances to the National Housing Fund since the inception of the scheme.

    The Inspector – General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, made the disclosure at the inauguration of the Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank Cash Centre and ATM gallery in Abuja.

    Idris said that the establishment of the bank became imperative to provide police officers with unhindered access to the National Housing Fund.

    He also said that the bank had also provided officers with loans at lower interest rates than obtained in other commercial banks.

    Read Also: Police to strengthen ‘bail is free’ campaign

    He promised to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of all police investments to enhance welfare of personnel.

    “It is my earnest belief that the Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank is strategically positioned to drive our ambitious welfare agenda,”the police boss said.

    He said that the force would continue to support and encourage synergy toward achieving the welfare objectives of the bank.

    He said that the police management would consider ways of encouraging and engaging other police investments and Institutions in mobilising fund to support the bank.

    The Chairman, Board of Directors of the bank, retired DIG Uba Ringim, said that the bank had successfully disbursed mortgage loans to over 500 police personnel.

    Ringim said the bank had also processed over 400 National housing fund loans approval from the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for personnel.

    He further said that over 200 police officers were beneficiaries of other loan products with the lowest interest rates.

    He said that the cash centre would avail the bank customers with the opportunity to walk in and access wide range of products and mortgage services.

    The chairman said that the bank had obtained CBN approval for the deployment of three additional ATMs in Garki, Wuse and Dei-Dei, all in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) reports that the Nigeria Police Mortgage Bank commenced business in 2015 to provide personnel with affordable and quality housing.