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  • IGP commiserates with family, friends of late Yusuf

    IGP commiserates with family, friends of late Yusuf

    The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, on Friday commiserated with family, friends and loved ones on the sudden death of recently retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Usman Ahmed Yusuf.

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, “AIG Usman hails from Bosso LGA in Niger State and was born in Minna. He was appointed into the Nigeria Police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent on 3rd March, 1990.

    “A quiet and unassuming senior officer, he served the public diligently during his official tour of duty in various capacities in Edo, Lagos, Abia, Abuja, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kano, Anambra states, and the Force Headquarters.

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    “He was the beloved of cadets on training while serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Field Studies at the prestigious Nigeria Police Academy which earned him the nickname ‘Baba Wando’. He served last as the AIG in charge of Research and Planning before his retirement.

    “His death occurred in the early hours of 8th September, 2023, after a brief illness, at the age of 60, at the Good Shepherd Catholic Hospital, Irawo, Owode Onirin, Lagos State.

    “The Inspector General of Police extends his heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the immediate family, relatives, and loved ones of the deceased senior police officer, noting that his demise is an irreplaceable loss, not only to his family but to the entire Police Force. He also reaffirms that the Force stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time, even as he assures that his thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this painful journey of loss and mourning”.

  • Major shakeup as IGP appoints DIG to head FIB, ACPs to head formations

    Major shakeup as IGP appoints DIG to head FIB, ACPs to head formations

    The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, September 7, approved the upscaling of the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) to a Department in the Nigeria Police Force.

    The police announced that this development would solidify ongoing efforts to bolster and upgrade the intelligence capabilities of the NPF, aiming to enhance internal security measures and better address contemporary challenges.

    As part of the transformative move, the IGP has approved the appointment of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Habu Sani, a seasoned and highly experienced officer, as the new Head of the Force Intelligence Department (FID).

    The IGP, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “DIG Habu Sani, a Geography graduate from Usman Danfodiyo University, was appointed as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1992. He has attended various specialized and strategic courses, including Intermediate Command, Advance Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Advance Intelligence Processing, Technical Intelligence Management Methodology, and False Document and Border Police Technique Courses.

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    “DIG Habu Sani has served in various operational, investigative, and administrative capacities within the Nigeria Police Force, including ACP Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Technical Intelligence Unit, and AIG in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau.”

    He was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Force Secretary until his recent promotion.

    Simultaneously, the NPF has approved the appointment of Assistant Commissioners of Police to head Zonal Intelligence Departments (ZIDs) and State Intelligence Departments (SIDs) nationwide.

    The IGP emphasised that by entrusting ACPs with the responsibility of heading SIDs, his administration aims to infuse these units with leadership that possesses a blend of operational experience, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to maintaining law and order.

    He added: “This step is expected to result in sharper intelligence operations, more effective crime prevention, and an overall elevation of our law enforcement standards.

    In the same vein, a delegation of scholars from the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin comprising the founder, Abdulraheem Oladimeji, OFR, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Noah Yusuf, and other respected officials, paid a courtesy visit to the IGP at the Force Headquarters, Abuja recently.

    Adejobi said: “They expressed the intention to partner with the Nigeria Police College of Intelligence in Kwara State, which is a hub for training and research in intelligence-related disciplines. They also offered to provide special degree-awarding courses for participants of Senior Command Courses at the Police Staff College, Jos.

    “The IGP, while directing the DIG in charge of Training and Development to interface with them towards developing a memorandum of understanding, expressed his determination for the college to immediately commence activities, with the goal of boosting the NPF’s intelligence capacity and nurturing a new generation of intelligence professionals.”

    The police boss reiterated that the Police is poised to evolve in an ever-changing landscape, noting that upscaling the FID underscores the unwavering dedication of the NPF to excellence in policing and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.

    He congratulated DIG Habu Sani on his posting to Head the FID and tasked him with readiness to intensify his contributions to the IGP’s policing vision.

  • IGP sets up panel of inquiry over cadet’s death

    IGP sets up panel of inquiry over cadet’s death

    Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun yesterday set up a 7-man Panel of Inquiry headed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, Abiodun Alabi, to probe the death of a cadet at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.

    The deceased, Sulaiman Jika, died on Friday, September 1.

    A statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IG gave the panel a four-day deadline to submit the report of its findings and recommendations.

    Read Also: Major shakeup as IGP redeploys Frank Mba, Bala Ciroma, other newly promoted DIGs, AIGs

    He charged the probe panel to carry out detailed and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.

    Other members of the panel include the AIG Training and Development, AIG Oyeyemi Oyediran; Force Medical Officer, CP Garba Emmanuel Nzukwen; CP Homicide FCID, CP Fom Pam Joseph, psc(+); CP Training POLAC, CP Patrick Edung; representative of the CP Legal as the secretary, and the Principal Staff Officer II to the IGP, ACP Idris Abubakar.

    The police boss, Adejobi said extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and relations of Sulaiman Jika and the academy community, assuring that he was deeply empathetic to their pain and loss.

    He said the Force would ensure justice was done in the case.

  • Major shakeup as IGP redeploys Frank Mba, Bala Ciroma, other newly promoted DIGs, AIGs

    Major shakeup as IGP redeploys Frank Mba, Bala Ciroma, other newly promoted DIGs, AIGs

    The acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered the posting and redeployment of seven (7) Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) to various departments. 

    DIG Bala Ciroma has been redeployed to head the Department of Finance and Administration, DIG Frank Emeka Mba to the Department of Training and Development, and DIG Habu A. Sani, to head the Force Intelligence Bureau.

    The police said the development is following the promotion of deserving officers to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    Others are DIG Usman D. Nagogo to Department of Logistics and Supply, DIG Daniel Sokari-Pedro, to Department of Information and Communication Technology, DIG Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, to Department of Research and Planning, and DIG Ede Ayuba Ekpeji to head the Department of Operations. 

    Read Also: Isese: Probe Kwara CP to prevent crisis, Traditionalists’ Council urges IGP

    According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP has approved the posting of the following Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to the following Commands and Formations as indicated against their names: “AIG Oladimeji Yomi Olanrewaju has been posted as the Force Secretary, AIG Yekini Adio Ayoku, mni to head the Police Mobile Force, AIG Idris Dabban Dauda, fdc, to Zone 16 Yenagoa, AIG Oyediran Adesoye Oyeyemi, fsi, to head the Police Cooperative, and AIG Benjamin Okolo Nebeolisa, fdc, to AIG Department of ICT. 

    “Furthermore, the IGP charges the newly posted and redeployed senior officers to entrench professionalism in their respective Departments, Commands, and Formations while prioritizing human security and people-centric policing services.”

  • IGP visits Olubadan, supports community policing

    IGP visits Olubadan, supports community policing

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has lauded the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his commitment to community policing, saying it is the definitive solution to the nation’s security challenges.

    Oba Balogun expressed this praise during a visit by the IGP to his residence in Alarere, Ibadan.

    Several members of the Olubadan advisory council, including Balogun of Ibadanland, Ashipa Balogun, Ekerin Olubadan, Ekerin Balogun, Obas Owolabi Olakulehin, Kolawole Adegbola, Hamidu Ajibade, and Dada Isioye, along with three Mogajis – Asimiyu Adepoju (Ariori), Isiaka Raji (Elegbaaowo), and Kayode Ogunsola (Anisere) – were present to receive the visitor.

    Speaking through the ‘Baba Kekere’, Kola Balogun, acknowledged the initiative of the new police boss to pursue the community policing strategy effectively through the deployment of technology and motivation of the officers and men of the force by way of training and attention to their welfare.

    Olubadan in a press statement by his personal assistant, Oladele Ogunsola said Egbetokun “is the most perfect fit for the job at this period in the history of the country. Our IG is Enitan, he is a manifestation of abundance grace and mercy in view of what he has passed through in the force.

    Read Also: Ladoja pledges loyalty to Olubadan

    “You actually paid your dues. You cheated death on occasions, and on two different occasions, you were denied your well-deserved promotion to the position of Commissioner of Police, but, through the grace of God, you eventually reached the pinnacle of your career. That same grace will sustain and grant you huge success on this exalted seat.”

    The Olubadan also appreciated the efforts of the new Police Command helmsman in Oyo State, Compol Adebola Hamzat, in implementing community policing and fostering cooperation among stakeholders.

    He stated that the palace would continue to support the command’s efforts to secure the lives and property of the people.

    The monarch said: “Oyo State is relatively peaceful, though, we have some pockets of security challenges, but, the CP has shown the capacity and capability to contain them since his arrival here for which we are very much grateful.

    “The palace, I mean myself and my members of the Advisory Council, Mogajis and Baales will not relent in giving the Command all the necessary and needed cooperation and support to achieve the set goal of securing the lives and property of our people.”

    In his remark, Egbetokun said his visit to the palace, the first of such to be made in the southwestern part of the country was to appreciate and thank the monarch for the support and cooperation the Oyo state command.

    He emphasized the strategic significance of Oyo State in security matters due to its location and history.

    The IGP assured the Olubadan of the Force’s commitment to a service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly approach to law enforcement.

    He emphasized the need for collaboration with traditional rulers to achieve the goals of the new vision for the police.

    Read Also: ‘We will support Olubadan on security’

    The IGP said: “We are always conscious of whom to post here as the CP and we don’t just send anybody here, we look out for who can give effective policing to the state and we appreciate our father, the Olubadan and his Council for the maximum support you have been giving us”.

    The IG further explained that the new vision of the force would be service-driven, compliance with the rule of law, people-friendly, and adequate response to crime occurrences, to improve the community and take the Force to the next level.

    He added: “To drive this vision, the roles of traditional rulers cannot be overemphasized and here I come to solicit Your Majesty’s understanding and support.

    “Your Majesty, your roles are very critical to our new vision. Our officers will work closely with you, they will be coming to you from time to time for advice and information as the case may be. I implore Your Majesty to leave your doors open to them and together, with your cooperation and support, we will achieve our set objectives and goals of securing and protecting our dear country, Nigeria.”

  • IGP: Begging bandits not a security strategy

    SIR:You cannot tackle the atrophic security threat assailing the country by pandering to the whims of the antagonists. Of course, being a sterling security professional, you know this; hence my befuddlement by your statement at the meeting in Kebbi State last week.

    At the parley with the leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), you were quoted to have said these words: “We will take measures to dialogue with the bandits to become better citizens, but if that fails we will deal with them.”

    When did it become a national policy or security strategy to “dialogue” with terrorists and bandits who have pulverised many innocent lives? Does it mean there is no punishment for the crime committed? Is your gesture not a sign of capitulation by the police? How do you even have that conversation with bandits to become “better citizens”? Does it mean the lives wasted deserve no justice?

    With due respect, your utterance and approach is what gives oomph to violent crimes in the country. You have just ossified the perception that violence is the language that the authorities decipher easily.

    That is, when you protest against injustice with your voice, the police harass you; you could even be killed or imprisoned. But when you attack the state and dispatch violence against citizens with guns, the authorities call you for a meeting to beg you. They could even offer you some concessions to become a “better citizen”.

    As you already know, “dialoguing” with bandits or terrorists will not stop the killings in the north. Nasir el-Rufai, Kaduna State governor, once admitted that he made reparations to some herdsmen to stop the killings in the state.  I believe the governor might have had good intentions doing this.  But his “mollycoddling” did not yield any fruit. The killings in the state are unabated.

    Also, the government is rehabilitating “repentant” Boko Haram members and releasing them into the wild; but how successful has this programme been in tackling the insurgency? Can the government give a guarantee that these “repentant” insurgents are not returning to their pastime? Does the government put a tab on them? Does it monitor their activities even after they are released into the civil population? The fact is, the Boko Haram crisis has worsened even with the government’s “soft approach” – military barracks and soldiers are now the biggest targets.

    Criminality only succumbs to the punitive force of the law, but it is emboldened by appeasement or an offer of easy truce. Where a crime is committed, the law must take its course, and it is the duty of the police to ensure that law-breakers are brought to justice.

    Have you considered how the families who lost fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters in Zamfara would feel when they hear you are “dialoguing” with their killers to let them go without retribution?

    Begging or dialoguing with bandits or terrorists is not a security strategy. It is like using Jacuzzi steam for cancer instead of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

     

    • Fredrick Nwabufo, <fredricknwabufo@yahoo.com>

     

  • Political parties armed thugs to undermine 2019 polls, says IGP

    •Police chief gives security agencies pass mark

    The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abubakar Mohammed Adamu has assessed the conduct of this year’s general election and concluded that though the polls were held in a largely credible and peaceful atmosphere, it was discovered that political parties and politicians armed their followers to undermine the electoral process.

    The Acting IGP, who spoke at a two-day annual summit of political parties and stakeholders organised by the Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), said security agents made series of arrest of such armed thugs and recovered illegal firearms from them.

    He said the discovery by security agents indicated that the culture of political intolerance was still rampant among Nigerians.

    Adamu noted that if not addressed immediately, the trend could threaten future elections and the nation’s internal security architecture.

    The IGP urged political parties to address the involvement of their followers in activities that tend to undermine the electoral process with their active backing.

    He said: “It is my conviction that this post-general election evaluation initiative is vital to strengthening our democracy in Nigeria to the extent that it will identify gaps and lessons learnt that could impact future elections.

    “In this regard, our experience during the last general election indicates a gradual adherence as well as increased alignment with our electoral engagement to the rule of law.

    “Although there are few noticeable and fundamental issues in the conduct of political parties and other strategic actors within the electoral process, the recent general election was largely credible and conducted under a suitable internal security order.

    “From our perspective, the political parties must address certain issues. During the 2019 general election, a lot of things happened. These include diversion of electoral materials, political thuggery, intimidation of the electorate, coordinated attacks on polling units and disruption of the electoral process, snatching of ballot boxes and electoral materials, coordinated attacks on INEC workers and agents, vote-buying and vote-selling, impersonation and unlawful possession of permanent voters cards (PVCs), unlawful possession of firearms, as well as kidnapping of electoral officials and opponents.

    “All these were perpetuated by agents supported by political parties. We tried to stop these and made a number of arrests and recovered a number of firearms that were given to these people by political parties.

    “All these are areas you must look into during this summit which will review the conduct of the general election. All the challenges I have enumerated are things we saw during the elections; in your deliberation, you must begin to look into how to tackle these challenges.

    “These are indications that the culture of political intolerance is still with us, and if not mitigated, it could constitute a major threat to the sanctity of future electoral process as well as internal security.

    “Therefore, it is I my expectations that addressing these gaps will form part of the discourse here. There is no doubt that the conduct of political parties remains critical to the success of any electoral process.”

    The Acting Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Jonathan Juma, said it was indisputable that political parties are at the heart of democracy and are crucial to the success of democratic governance.

    Juma noted that despite evidence of democratic consolidation in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, following five successive elections and peaceful transfer of power from one civilian regime to another, there were concerns that democratic progress was occurring amidst fragility of the institutions of democracy, especially the political parties and the party system.

    According to him, elections in Nigeria have remained contentious amidst disconcerting attitudes and comportment of the mainstream political elite.

     

     

     

     

  • IG orders downsizing of Police headquarters, others for efficiency

    To inject fresh ideas for administrative efficiency, policemen who have spent four years and above at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Zonal or state commands are to be posted out, The Nation learnt on Thursday.

    This is just as the acting Inspector General of Police (IG) Mohammed Adamu has directed a downsize of personnel strength in the aforementioned places for operational exigencies.

    Our Correspondent gathered that this may not be unconnected with the desire to contain the practice whereby officers and order ranks perpetuate themselves at the various command headquarters to escape deployment to crisis zones.

    It was gathered that the IG was also concerned by the spate of violent crimes across the country and the seeming inability of the police to take charge.

    Read Also: Police bust suspected child theft syndicate

    Our correspondent gathered that IG was unsatisfied with the level of manpower redundancy and was going all out to enhance the personnel base of state commands for improved crime control capacity.

    A source who hinted on the development disclosed that it was contained in a signal signed by the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the IG Idowu Owohunwa, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

    The source said: ” The IG has approved the downsizing of the personnel profile of the Force Headquarters, Zonal Headquarters and State Command Headquarters with immediate effect.
    The downsizing will affect officers at the Force Headquarters Abuja and Lagos Annex. Some officers have served so many years at these places and they keep working their postings to stay there.

    “The directive mandated all departments within the Force Headquarters Abuja and Zonal and State headquarters to start reducing their personnel strength by at least 30 percent. It is for both officers and rank and file. It gave one-week deadline for the list (comprehensive nominal roll of personnel by department) to reach the IG secretariat.

    “That those who have stayed more than four years must be redeployed from the headquarters as well as those adjudged to be lacking in capacity to contribute meaningfully to the mandates of the departments.

    “All those to be deployed from the Force Headquarters will be posted to state commands across the country to boost manpower.”

  • IGP orders probe of slain NSCDC staff

    Acting Inspector-General of Police IGP Mohammed Adamu has ordered speedy investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of an Assistant Superintendent of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ogar Jumbo.

    The slain officer was allegedly beaten and killed by policemen in Nyanya area of Abuja during the week.

    The Police chief also assured that there will be no cover up in the investigation.

    The Police, in a statement in Abuja by the Force Spokesman, ACP Frank Mba assured the families of the deceased that everything humanly possible will be done to ensure justice prevails in the case.

    Read Also: IGP bans covered vehicle number plates

    The IG also said the NSCDC along with the family of the deceased, may, for the purpose of transparency, nominate any medical doctor of their choice to witness the autopsy, at the appropriate time and venue.

    The Police said the autopsy will help the investigators to have a definitive understanding of the real cause of death of the deceased.

    The IGP however called for calm from the family and friends of the deceased and the entire public, reiterating that the case will not be swept under the carpet.

  • Breaking: IG deploys 7 DIGs, 10 AIGs, 277 CPs for gov polls

    The Inspector General of Police Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu has deployed seven Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), ten Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and 277 Commissioners of Police (CPs) for the governorship and State Assembly election.

    The DIGs will cover the six geo-political zone, the AIGs will cover the Zonal Command while the CPs will complement the efforts of the Commissioners of Police in 36 State Commands and the FCT.

    The DIG in charge of Operations, Abdulmajid Ali, is the Coordinator of the deployment while other DIGs will be in charge of various zones.

    They are: DIG Usman Tilli Abubakar North East; DIG Frederick Taiwo Lakanu South-South; DIG Anthony Ogbizi Michael South-East; DIG Yakubu Jubrin South-West; DIG Aminchi S. Baraya North-West and DIG Godwin C. Nwobodo North-Central.

    Read Also: Poll: IG bans use of unmarked vehicles

    With the latest deployment, each command now has additional three CPs deployed to the three senatorial districts in their respective states of assignment, which will form part of security management base for the command CPs.

    Details of the deployment are contained in a statement in Abuja on Thursday by the Force Spokesman, ACP Frank Mba.

    The Force also said based on security assessment carried out earlier, some Local Government Areas in Plateau, Benue, Imo and Taraba States have one Commissioner of Police each deployed to coordinate security in the LGAs.

    The affected LGAs in Benue are: Guma LGA, Logo LGA, Agatu LGA, Gwer East LGA, Gwer West LGA, Katsina Ala LGA, Okpokwu LGA, and Ukum LGA.

    The affected LGAs in Imo state are: Orlu LGA and Okigwe while the LGAs in Plateau states are; Langtang South LGA, Jos South LGA, Bassa LGA, Langtang North LGA, Riyom LGA, Barkin Ladi LGA.

    The affected LGAs in Taraba state are: Wukari LGA, Ibi LGA, Lao LGA, Karim Lamido LGA, Bali LGA, Kurmi LGA, Jalingo LGA, Dunga LGA, and Sardauna LGA.

    Mba also noted that Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo and Sokoto Commands have new CPs posted specifically as Command CP for the purpose of election.

    The CPs are: Anambra CP Rabiu Ladodo; Bayelsa CP Olushola David; Edo CP Dan-Mallam Mohammed and Sokoto CP Aminu Koji Kwabe.

    According to the statement, each of those deployed are expected to work with the Command CPs and ensure no stone is left unturned towards emplacing adequate security including the supervision of security personnel deployed to each of the Senatorial Districts under their watch.

    The IGP also assured that the Nigeria Police Force will remain civil, firm, optimally professional and apolitical in the discharge of their duties in the 9th March, 2019 elections.