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Tag: IG

  • IG orders maximum force

    IG orders maximum force

    Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase yesterday ordered the use of ‘maximum force’ to enforce peace.

    In a statement on the activities of MASSOB and IPOB released yesterday by Force Public Relations Officer Olabisi Kolawole, the IG said:

    “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase has issued a stern warning to MASSOB and IPOB activists to stop threatening public peace or face the full weight of the law. The warning followed the observation by the Nigeria Police Force leadership of the increasing resort to acts of brigandage by sets of misguided individuals who apparently are hiding under the cloak of Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to threaten national security and public peace in parts of South East geopolitical Zone and some other conterminous States.

    “The latest manifestation of this threat is the attempt to blockade the Onitsha end of Niger Bridge on 1st December, 2015, an action that caused major hardship to innocent and law abiding motorists, and citizens. The act also occasioned serious dislocation of business activities.

    “The Inspector-General of Police notes that the increasing resort to acts of brigandage of this nature is pointing to a clear attempt by the brains behind these protests to test the will of security agencies to restore order and guarantee internal cohesion.

    “For the avoidance of doubts, the IGP further notes, the restoration and maintenance of law and public order, and protection of lives and property remain sacred and statutory Mandate of the Nigeria Police. This Mandate, according to him, shall be fully executed in the overriding interests of the nation and vast majority of citizens and residents of the South East geopolitical Zone.

    “Consequently, the Inspector-General of Police has directed the mobilisation and deployment of Police Mobile Force (PMF) across the country to reinforce security in the State Commands that MASSOB and IPOB are currently attempting to utilise as launching pad for their sinister intentions.

    “The Assistant Inspectors – General of Police Zone 5, (Benin); Zone 6, (Calabar) and Zone 9 (Umuahia) as well as all Commissioners of Police in the affected States in the South East and neigbouring States have also been directed to henceforth maximally exercise their statutory Mandate in relation to prevention and disruption of any gathering that threatens public order and national cohesion.

    “Any person or group of persons so arrested in furtherance to the enforcement of this order will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    “To this end, the Inspector-General of Police advises parents and guardians to call their children and wards to order as the patience of the Force is being stretched to the limit. He firmly affirmed that no individual or group interest can override the interest of the nation and that democratic values provide for exploration of rule of law to advance any concern, not the resort to endless and misguided acts of brigandage, unless there is an ulterior motive as the extant instance tends to dictate.

    “He concluded by asserting that the Nigeria Police Force will not fold its law enforcement arms to allow few misguided elements to continually force hardships on fellow Nigerians either in the South East or any other part of the nation for that matter.”

  • IG: ban on fireworks still in force

    IG: ban on fireworks still in force

    THE Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Solomon Arase, has warned that the ban on the use of fireworks is still in force.

    He gave the warning yesterday in a statement by the Force spokesperson, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olabisi Kolawole, in Abuja.

    “It has come to the knowledge of the Nigeria Police Force that some Nigerians have started using fireworks and firecrackers in anticipation of the yuletide celebrations,” he said.

    He said the security situation in parts of the country did not warrant the use of fireworks or knock-outs.

    Arase added that the warning became crucial as there were reports that hoodlums were now using fireworks to confuse Nigerians to carry out their nefarious activities.

     

  • Family petitions IG over member’s death

    The family of the late Mrs. Rachael Oladejo, a health officer in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase over the woman’s death.

    In a petition through their lawyer, Henry Adegbemile, dated September 2, the deceased was allegedly knocked down by a truck driver attached to the Dangote firm at Adebayo Junction, Igbara-Oke headquarters of the local government on her way to church.

    The truck, with registration number Benue XA 336 BKB allegedly skidded off the road and hit the victim.

    Adegbemile said the driver; Umar Abubakar was subsequently arrested by the police in Igbara-Oke division and dragged to the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Igbara-Oke.

    However, the petitioner said after Mrs. Oladejo spent almost four months in the hospital, she died on April 23 as a result of injuries she sustained in the incident.

    The lawyer alleged that neither Dangote Group nor the driver has shown any concern on the incident and eventual death of the late public health officer.

    According to him, the driver, despite being charged for reckless driving, on hearing the death of his victim, disappeared since then.

    The petitioner also said his clients, Dr Busuyi Mekusi and Miss Adebukola Faloyo believed that the driver’s employer, Dangote Group of Companies knew his whereabouts and were of the opinion that the accused was being shielded from justice.

    He lamented that since the death of Mrs. Oladejo, her children have been in distress and living from hand to mouth.

    Adegbemile said: “The Inspector-General of Police should order thorough investigation into the disappearance of the driver from court and ensure that he is re-arrested for prosecution over the death of the deceased.

    The lawyer pleaded that Mrs. Oladejo’s case should not be one of the many unresolved deaths of “negligent” driving on the part of those in the employ of Dangote Group across Nigerian roads.

    He said his clients have also petitioned the chairman, Dangote Group demanding a compensation of N500 million.

     

  • IG deploys four DIGs

    IG deploys four DIGs

    The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, yesterday approved the redeployment of four senior officers to various units in the force headquarters.

    The newly redeployed officers, who are all Deputy Inspectors General of police, are to commence duty at their new posts with immediate effect.

    According to the police spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, the redeployed officers include Dan’Azumi Doma as the DIG in-charge of Department of Finance and Administration; Christopher Katso, as the DIG in-charge of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department; Chintua Amajor-Onu, as DIG in-charge of Department of Information and Communications Technology and; Jubril Adeniji as DIG in-charge of Department of Research and Planning, all at the force headquarters in Abuja.

    However, the police spokesperson, said other senior officers – Mamman Tsafe, DIG in-charge of Department of Logistics and Supply; Saliu Argungu Hashimu, DIG in-charge of Department of Training and Development and Sotonye Leroy Wakama, DIG in-charge of Department of Operations will maintain their duty posts at the force headquarters.

     

  • IG team, FERMA rid Kogi highways of criminal hideouts

    IG team, FERMA rid Kogi highways of criminal hideouts

    The Inspector General Police, Mr. Solomon Arase vowed to rid Nigeria highways of men of the underworld and other criminal elements.

    Towards this end, the IG backed by a detachment from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, during the week teamed up with officials drawn from the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Kogi State field office and the North Central zonal office 1 (NC NC1) in cutting over hanging branches from trees along the Okene-Kabba highway.

    The IG team also oversee the repair of failed portions and patching of pot-holes along the federal road.

    FERMA’s zonal Co-ordinator for the North central 1 (NC NC1), Engr. R. K. Olaniyi stated that Kogi state field office embarked on the verge clearing and tree cutting between Obajana junction along Lokoja-Okene road, to enhance motorists visibility and to eliminate criminals’ hideouts.

    The project he said is by direct labour. According to him: “The patching of potholes between km 10000 km- 15500 along Okene-Kabba road using berkamp pothole patcher, is to enhance smooth riding surface and to discourage and eliminate likely areas that may serve as hideout for criminals”.

    He added that the Inspector General of Police showed concern about the safety of motorists and other users of federal roads in the zone.

    Asked about the timing, the FERMA Engineer for Kogi State, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim said everything was timed.

    He said: “When we work on the road we actually time ourselves. When you do stone-based work you don’t need rain, but when you’re out of the rain you prime, and that is what we are doing now.

    “We have already sent information on some critical roads to head office based on request, so it now depends on their approval, but the ones we can attend to are the ones we are doing.

    “On-going work on the Obajana Road is also part of efforts to expose criminals, so that when you are driving, visibility will be clearer and you will be able to see far. This will ensure safety along the corridor and help minimise criminality”.

  • Buhari to IG: prune police attached to the rich

    Buhari to IG: prune police attached to the rich

    •PSC: police have 19,500 personnel shortfall

    President  Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to reduce the policemen attached to rich individuals.

    The order was given when the President met with Arase, Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) Mike Okiro  and the Permanent Secretary of the Police Affairs Ministry, James Obiegbu.

    “You must ensure that the recruitment process is transparent. Those who will conduct the recruitment must be above board. It should not be heard that they receive gratification or extort money from those who want to enlist in the police,” Femi Adesina, special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, quoted President Buhari as saying.

    On the stagnation of policemen on same rank for many years, the President counselled the Police Service Commission to review the structure of the police and make recommendations on how the problem could be solved to boost the morale of policemen.

    Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Okiro said there had been a deficiency of about 19,500 policemen since 2010.

    Besides the 10,000 recently approved for recruitment by  President Buhari, Okiro said only 1,500 officers had been replaced of the 21,000 deficiency since 2010.

    He said: “We thought about recruitment of police officers. Over the years, more than 21,000 police officers had retired; some dismissed, some died between 2010 and today. Of this, only about 1,500 were replaced.

    “So we discussed this with Mr. President. Of course, you are aware that a few days ago, Mr. President said the police are going to recruit 10,000.

    “We discussed with him on modalities and how to ensure that the 10,000 people are recruited to maintain security.”

    On how soon the recruitment would start, he said certain procedures and guidelines must first be put in place.

    Speaking on the meeting with the President, he said: “We, permanent secretary of Police Affairs, chairman of Police Service Commission and the Inspector General of Police with their members and management staff, briefed the President on the needs and challenges, success recorded and things to be done to ensure that security is maintained.

    Asked about any specific di rective from the President, he said: “Of course, he has given us assurance that the police will be encouraged, will be funded, will be equipped within the provisions of the budget to make sure Nigerians are provided with adequate security.”

    According to him, the issue of pension for retired officers were not discussed with the President.

    The Permanent Secretary, James Obiegbu, said the President was interested in the welfare of officers.

    He said: “He was interested in the issues concerning their emotions, issues concerning their placing, he was concerned with everything that concerns them.”

    He said Buhari had promised to continue to support the police family with the challenges of funding facing the force.

    “Issues about funding of the police is something that has been on the front burner because it requires a lot of funding and not something the government can do alone.

    “There can never be a specific amount for the police to function effectively. If you know what it takes to keep patrol all over the country, keep vehicles and men on the road, you will have an idea of how funding requirements of police can be.”

  • IG assures improved security at matches

    IG assures improved security at matches

    Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has said the Police will work with the League Management Company (LMC) and other institutions of the football industry to ensure adequate security at football events to consolidate on the reforms which has seen a rise in attendance at league games.

    Arase spoke while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the LMC and the Nation Wide League led by Shehu Dikko, the LMC Chairman and 2nd Vice President of the NFF in his office on Thursday.

    “I am honoured receiving your team today because I am passionate about football and actually played football as an academical. This is why I have followed developments in the football industry and believe we can work with you to devise an approach that will bring a fresh breathe of air to the security management of the games,” the IGP remarked.

    He was responding to a request by Dikko which sought the support of the Police high command in creating a special Police Squad for match day policing and promised that henceforth, Mounted Troops will be part of stadium security on match days as soon as the final details are worked out.

    According to Dikko, “We have over the years enjoyed the support and protection of the Police at our match venues. We have enjoyed incident-free situations at our venues after 190 games of the first stanza and we want to ensure that this continues hence we have come to request that special squads be created for crowd control on match days and also dedicate some officers to be attached to our Match Referees all through their stay for a match.”

    The LMC and the IGP further agreed to collaborate on capacity building for officers through training in crowd management using FIFA model for which the IGP said he would appoint a Liaison officer to work with the LMC on the modalities. He said his office will also be contacting representatives of the Metropolitan Police in the country for further enrichment of the training program.

    On the delegation were Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar, Legal Adviser to the LMC, Barrister Samson Ebomhe, Chairman of NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Fresh, Chairman of Nation Wide League, Alhaji Ahmed Kawu, FIFA Security Committee member, Dr. Christian Emeruwa and ex-international, Garba Lawal.

  • Plateau police table needs before IG

    Plateau police table needs before IG

    Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase’s visit to Plateau State was as much an opportunity to orientate the command on stepping up internal security duties as it was for the state commissioner to press for solutions to enduring challenges. YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU reports

    There seemed to be a balance of demands as Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase visited the Plateau State command. His mission was to press home the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that the police should really take charge of internal security, while the armed forces concentrate on securing national borders.

    Mr Arase made that much clear but he also lectured the state personnel on human rights abuses, roadblocks, extortion, bail, training and promotions. Arase told them of a brand new police to evolve from what used to be.

    His hosts also had their list of demands if those of the IGP were to be adequately met.

    The state Commissioner of Police Nasiru Oki while welcoming the IG to the command headquarters in Jos, said, “Plateau is one of the states in the North Central  zone…comprising three senatorial zones; Plateau North, Plateau Central and Plateau South. Each of these senatorial zones has their peculiar crime situation. Like in the south, the main problem we have there is proliferation of arms, nearly every home in the south has arms. In every house there you will find at least one retired Major General, so the chunk of retired generals in the state is found in Plateau South senatorial zone, and that is a problem on its own.

    Mr. Oki also said, “In the Central zone, we don’t have serious problems with crime, but in the North, we have two areas that is disturbing, and the government as well as the command have been on it to make sure everything went fine. One of it is the issue of Fulani and the natives. There have been age-long disputes between them over arable land and grazing land. And it has been so serious that you have given us two mobile units to assist us and they are really doing wonderful job in that place.

    The second problem in Plateau North is the issue of rustling, the crime is very rampart there and we are doing our best to curb the crime.

    He stated further, “In the entire Plateau state, the population of the policemen 6000 plus, the problem we have over that is barracks accommodation. The barracks we have here need renovations. We have tried in our own capacity to repair the ones we can, but there is still need for more to be renovated. The headquarters too needs some kind of repair especially the tailoring section and the stores, the roofs are leaking seriously, such that each time there is rain, the men have to evacuate their properties and leave the place. And at the end of each rain, the men have to return there to mop up the water and clean up the place.

    “In this command we have efficient mechanics and electricians; if any of our cars develops a problem, I can beat my chest that they will repair it here without looking for mechanics outside. The men in this unit are very competent and able.

    “Sir, we want to commend you sir for the ‘operation safer highways’ you gave to us, they have been position in a very strategic point and are helping situations too. The ones you gave us before too have been given to divisions and the divisions are making adequate use of them too in combating crimes in the state generally. However, like Oliver Twist, we are asking for more, Sir.

    “We…need to establish an additional Area Command in Plateau Central.

    “Sir, we are also requesting for an additional Mobile Squadron because of the volatility of this place. There have been structures on ground, all that is needed now is to renovate the place and staff the Quarters.

    “In addition, Sir, we shall be grateful if we can have a transit camp in this place because of officers who are being transferred to this place. When the officers come on transfer they have no place to stay, you see them hanging around, sleeping at the headquarters. So if we have a transit camp in this state it will help us seriously.”

    Mr Arase said, “In as much as I appreciate the efforts of the policemen and women for making sure internal security of Plateau State remains one of the best in this country, I wish to challenge you to do more…I have listened to your commissioner on the challenges you are facing. But I can assure you that in spite of dwindling resources and logistics, we should continue to do our best because President Muhammadu Buhari is very passionate about your welfare, Mr President is ready to do all that is necessary for you to deliver on your mandate.

    “Let me inform you of the strategic thrust of this administration, first and foremost is the issue of roadblocks; [they have] been dismantled and…will remain so, but that does not mean that occasionally, when there are security threats we will not engage on ‘stop and search’. And we talk about stop and search, we are not expecting you to go back to the old ways of harassing members of the public or collecting money on the highways. This administration has a zero-tolerance for corruption, we will not encourage it. It is my belief the people that you serve are very nice people and when  they see that you are serving them responsibly, they have a way of tour hing your life the way you never expect. So there is no point for you to start extorting them on the highways.

    “Secondly, we are averse to the commercialisation of bail, and that is why I have insisted that our investigation process should be inteligence-driven. By this, I mean if you have a case brought before you, you should gather sufficient evidence before inviting the parties involved. And by the time you invite them before you, I expect that it should not take more than 24 hours for you to reach a decision to proffer charges or allow the person to go on bail.

    “We have been able to launch the “Safer Highways” currently we have 555 of such vehicles across the 36 states of the country. We have also ensure that all those issues that compel you into corruption like fueling of the vehicles and feeding while on patrol will be addressed soon. It is also good to let you know that when cases are brought before you, you should be able to distinguished between civil cases and commercial cases and also tried to resist been dragged into taking corruption.”

  • NIS petitions IG over killing of surveyor in Bayelsa

    The Nigeria Institute of Surveyors (NIS), Bayelsa state chapter, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police( IGP) over the gruesome murder of its member, Mr Kolou Eddi and attempted murder of Mr. Naboth Alaigha by suspected thugs from Okutukutu community.

    NIS said it was fed up with the “negligence and complacency” of the Bayelsa state Police command on the matter.

    On May 21, Eddi and Alazigha went to a disputed land to demarcate boundary between Opolo and Okutukutu communities in line with a Supreme Court judgment in favour of Opolo community.

    But angry youths from Okutukutu community stormed the land, killed Eddi and inflicted serious injuries on Alazigha.

    The police team deployed to escort the surveyors neither stopped the attack nor arrested persons behind the dastardly act.

    Few days after the incident, the police were said to have arrested some suspects and kept telling anxious families of the deceased and the injured Alazigha that they were still conducting investigations.

    Irked by the development, NIS wrote a letter through its lawyers U. Saiyou and co to the IGP demanding his urgent intervention.

    In the letter signed by Amaebi Clarkson, NIS said that 65 armed policemen were mobilized to site for the singular purpose of marking the clear boundaries of the survey plan.

    It lamented that throughout the “ferocious attack” on the duo which lasted for over 20 minutes, the police team “detailed to protect the survey team would not do any significant thing even when they saw messers Kolou Robert Eddi and Naboth Alazigha being hacked down by severe machete cuts from the attackers.

    The NIS said it was bitter that the police could not make any arrest on the spot and days after the incident failed to show seriousness on the matter.

    It expressed disappointment in the conduct of investigations by the Bayelsa State Police command and called on the IGP to take over the case.

    The petition said in part: “Our client have instructed us to inform you that the lukewarm attitude and conduct of the Police that led to the death of their colleague is not acceptable and they are not impressed by the slow pace of investigation of the matter by the Bayelsa State Police command.

    “We are mandated to demand that you urgently take over the investigation of the matter with a view to timeously bring the culprits to book. The timely arrest of the perpetrators of this brutal attack will serve as deterrent and curb the incessant attack on Surveyors on legitimate professional duties”.

    But the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Asinim Butswat who said he was not aware of the petition.

    He explained that a murder case was not what the police would rush investigations.

    He assured all the parties that the command had not abandoned the case, adding that all the persons involved in the circumstances surrounding the incident would be brought to book.

  • IG petitioned

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for Ilaje 1 and 2 constituencies in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Gbenga Edema and Leke Adegboye, have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, to probe the unlawful swearing in of Abayomi Akinruntan and Coker Malachi.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Segun Agbaje, had earlier declared the elections in the constituencies as inconclusive due to alleged irregularities.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrew the certificates of return meant for the duo on May 5 when it presented certificates to the other 24 members-elect.

    A petition dated June 8 noted that the Clerk confirmed the writ of returns and roll call of all 26 members-elect on June 1 with Akinruntan and Malachi as No 6 and 20 on the attendance list.

    The petition reads: “We are aware that for a member-elect to be sworn in, the presentation of a certificate of return should be a pre-condition in compliance with the Electoral Act.

    “Based on this fact, we sought clarification from INEC on whether or not the certificates of return have been issued to the two lawmakers as at June 4 and INEC replied the second day that no certificate of return was issued to them.

    “It is instructive to note that Section 75 of the Electoral Act 2010 makes issuance of certificate of return mandatory to any person who has won election in Nigeria before he/she could be sworn in.”