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Tag: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris

  • IGP monitoring Unit bursts notorious kidnappers camp in Rivers

    IGP monitoring Unit bursts notorious kidnappers camp in Rivers

    Residents of Etche communities of Rivers State and their neighbouring Ukwa area of Abia state can now heave a sigh of relief, following the raid weekend of a notorious gang camp in the area by men of the Inspector-General of Police.

    The people have for a long time lived in intense fear of insecurity,  following the emergence in the area of a criminal group,  led by one Uchenna Okere (a k a Togo).

    The group who has reportedly held sway in the area have been endulged in all manner of criminality including kidnapping,  armed robbery,  killing,  cultusm among others has terrorized the communities to stupor without challenge.

    However help came to the residents last Friday following a midnilight raid of his camp by the IG monitoring unit in the state led by Ben Igwe,  Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

    The operation reportedly led to the rescue of a 17 year old daughter of a traditional ruler in Etcheland who was in the criminals custody for more than two weeks.

    The men also arrested a member of the gang and recovered arms and live bullets.

    Speaking to the nation, shortly after parading the suspects, Igwe said residents of the community were joyful over the police operations in the areas,  saying that it was the first time police or any other security agency has come to their aide,  since the uprising of Togo and his notorious gang in the place, adding that the exercise would bring about relative peace and security in Etched and it’s environs.

    He said, “If you know the joy if the people over the raiding you will understand that they have been living in great fear of insecurity in the place.

    “There is a notorious kidnapper,  cultist,  killer, name Uchenna Ekere (a. k. a.  Togo),  from Umuoko Etche, where he also built his camp, following a tip-off on the kidnap of the daughter of the traditional ruler of the area and that the people are helpless even when they suspected that the missing girl must be in his custody.

    “Following the outcry,  we left for the community about 1:am Saturday morning when we located their hideout, he engaged the police to a gun battle we over powered them,  they escaped we went in arrested one of them (Gift), and rescued the victim and recovers two guns and ammunition”

    He however vowed that the unit will not rest on its oars until Togo and other members of his gang are apprehended and peace is restored to the area.

    “It is not yet over,  we will continue to comb the area until the kingpin and his members were arrested.  They have ran away but relative peace have return to the communities around there,  even parts of Ukwa  area of Abia state,  where he holds way. He is referred to there as governor, and harvests levy from all the markets in that  axis in each market day,  we must make sure that his illegal reign in the area comes to an end and people there liberated,” he stressed.

    In a separate chat with the suspects, each denied the alleged involvement with the criminality of Togo and his men.

    The suspect said to be arrested from the burst camp,  Gift Nnodim said said,  “I am from Umuokom Etche, I am 21 years old,  I live at Umuokiri Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, I am a training in welding.

    “I travelled home last Sunday to assist my mother to harvest Palm fruits. This morning (yesterday), while I was in my compound with other members of my family,  the policemen came and held me.  They did not tell me what my offence was,” he said.

    Asked his relationship with one Togo,  the notorious criminal, admitted that he is his kinsman, and a renowned culists.

    Asked his connection with the cultist vowed no involvement with him and his activities,  adding that “If my phone is here right now,  you would have dialed Togo’s number and confirm whether or not it is stored in my phone, at least if I have any dealings with him,  his phone number willl be in phone,” he noted.

    Also speaking another suspect,  Chidiadi James (22) a hair barber said narrating how he was arrested said, “I was arrested from bed this morning.” he said that he was arrested about 6: am Saturday.

    Narrating her ordeal in the hands of her abductors, the victim  said she was beating,  tied up and left in the custody if armed men,  but denied any form of assault on her.

    In her words,  “I was coming back from school, when they accused me with a motor bike and took me away to far away village from where I was kidnapped. There were 15 of them.  They were taking me from one house to the other,  one village to another. They did not take me to their camp in the forest, but one of them pointed to me the direction of their camp.

    “When we got to the first house,  they asked me to release the contact number of my father I told them that I am an orphan, they now said,  then you will be here and be cooking for them.”

    Asked if all she was doing in the over two weeks she was with them was to cook for them, said she was not untied anyway to cook.

    “I was beaten severally,  blindfolded at some point and threatened with death. Some of the boys also threatened to rape me,  this sparked heated argument among them,  that they almost fought each other,  but they later did not touch me.”

    Asked if she was fed by the kidnappers said,  she was barely fed, and that she eats only when food was  given to her adding that the stepple meal there was indomie noddles.

    To her,  her parents were not aware of her whereabouts having exhausted all their links to no avail.

  • Lawyers urge IGP to prosecute Senator’s accuser

    Lawyers urge IGP to prosecute Senator’s accuser

    A group, the Nigerian Lawyers Renaissance Forum, Tuesday urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris to prosecute Mr. Victor Uwajeh for alleged fraud, forgery and possession of false documents.

    Uwajeh was charged with allegedly attempting to blackmail Senator Andy Uba, after he allegedly claimed that the Anambra South Senatorial District representative forged his West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate.

    The Police filed a four-count charge of fraud, possession of false documents and forgery against Uwajeh before Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, but the prosecution has reportedly been unable to serve the defendant with the charge.

    The group, in a statement by Prince Deji Atanda and Ike Tagbo, both lawyers, urged the IGP not to be distracted by petitions accusing him of compromising the case.

    “Owing to the fact that we have some bad eggs still in the legal profession as does every other profession, we were surprised when we read that petitions had been written accusing the IGP of scuttling the investigation in favour of Senator Uba.

    “We are much saddened by this move as it appears to be an attempt to wear upon Uwajeh the toga of a victim. We are, therefore, calling on the IGP and other interested parties to shun such distractions and carry out their conventional duties.

    “If indeed Uwajeh does not have a case to answer, why is he avoiding been served the sermons? Like it is said, a clear conscience fears no accusation. Uwajeh should make himself available for service of the criminal summons.

    “We are also forwarding a petition to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Disciplinary Committee to sanction some of these lawyers who are smearing the legal practice,” the group said.

  • IGP to Policemen: Distance yourself from IPOB

    IGP to Policemen: Distance yourself from IPOB

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has warned policemen to distant themselves from the proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).

    He also warned them to guide against being infiltrated by those who don’t mean well for the country.

    He said this in Abuja on Thursday evening when he met with Commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU).

    He said: “I am directing you to keep away from people that do not mean well for this country to avoid putting yourselves in trouble.

    “Every police officer must remain loyal to his service, government and citizens of this country.  Especially those serving in the Southeast. As much as possible, keep a distance from IPOB and other illegal organisations.

    “Don’t allow any of them to penetrate you to work against this country in any way at all.

    “I know that in the past, some Police officers were seen taking pictures with him. I believe it is not in the interest of this country to associate yourselves with somebody that came openly to say he wants the country divided.

    “These are very serious issues and I want the men to keep a distance from them because they don’t mean well”.

    On the essence of the meeting, the police chief said: “I decided to arrange this meeting because I believe that in the coming months, the PMF is going to be tasked with the responsibility to ensure that law and order is maintained all over the country.

    “We are now in December and from January next year, it would be a period with highest forms of legal and illegal activities and I believe it is crucial that I summon all of you to ensure that your mind is prepared to provide security for this country.

    “There are issues that are bothering this country right now, there are beehives of political activities and this calls for professionalism from all police officers serving in this country.

    “With the political activities, people would try to infiltrate you to get your support by indulging yourself in unwholesome activities”.

  • Our plans for 2019 elections, by INEC, AGF, IGP, Reps

    Our plans for 2019 elections, by INEC, AGF, IGP, Reps

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami (SAN), the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris and Chair, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Mrs. Aisha Dukku Tuesday laid out their agencies plans for the 2019 general elections.

    Yakubu assured that INEC was putting in place all the necessary measures to ensure a successful outing.

    Idris said since Nigerians have hailed the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for a good job during the last Anambra governorship election, it was working to improve on that in 2019.

    Malami said the Executive, having identified areas needing reform in the electoral process, was working with the Legislature to ensure that the necessary legislation were in place.

    Mrs. Dukku disclosed that the House of Representatives was currently working on 12 Bills intended to strengthen the electoral system. She assured that the Bills would be passed into law, and hopefully, assented to by the President before the next general elections.

    Yakubu, Idris, Malami and Mrs. Dukku spoke in Abuja at a National Stakeholders Forum on Elections, put together by a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, led by Clement Nwankwo.

    Yakubu, who was represented by an INEC’s National Commissioner, Adekunle Ogunmola, gave details of the commissions preparations so far and all that were being done to ensure an improved performance at the next general elections.

    Some of such measures, he said, included the early release of the time for the next presidential election and the registration of 21 new political parties.

    Yakubu said INEC intends to register more parties as long as they meet the legal requirements.

    He said the commission was currently in receipt of about 80 applications from associations seeking registration as political parties.

    Yakubu said: “We will continue to register parties as long as they comply with the legal requirements. Our hands are tied. There is no way we can stop registering parties. We will continue to register them until the time stipulated in the Constitution.

    “By the time the issue of independent candidate takes off, there will be more problem for INEC. The highest number we have done in governorship election is in Anambra State, with 27 parties,” he said.

    He spoke of the commission’s challenge in prosecuting the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello for the offence of double registration.

    He said although INEC has established that Idris registered twice, it was currently handicapped in moving against him because, as a sitting Governor, Bello was covered by immunity.

    Yakubu said: “The Governor of Kogi State has immunity. There is nothing INEC can do for now. After his tenure, the issue can be revisited.”

    Yakubu ruled out the issues of electronic and diaspora voting. Noting that both issues were yet to be allowed by the nation’s laws.

    Malami, who was represented by the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Legal Matters, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwangwu, said the Federal Government was committed to the reform of the electoral process to enhance its credibility.

    He said the government’s desire for a credible electoral process informed its establishment of the Constitution and Electoral Reform Committee (CERC) headed by former Senate President, Ken Nnamani.

    He said all the recommendations of the committee have been reduced into Bills for the National Assembly to pass into law.

    Malami added: “This government believes that a credible electoral process provides a sustainable basis for the survival of democracy in Nigeria and will do everything possible to support the achievement of this.

    “As part of its effort, the government has given every support to INEC including support to retain its independence and financial autonomy.

    “In addition, the government has ensured that INEC is able to operate as an independent and credible. Election umpire,” Malami said.

    Idris, who was represented by Joshak Habila (a Deputy Inspector General of Police), said the input the police received from all stakeholders in the nation’s electoral process, including the CSOs have assisted the agency a lot.

    He said: “In preparing for the 2019 elections, I can assure you that with this interaction, we will come out better. The Nigeria Police will do all within its powers to ensure a successful elections.

    “I can assure you that our readiness is assured. But our success depends on all the stakeholders, particularly the politicians.”

    Mrs. Dukka, who gave details of the electoral process reform related Bills in the House of Reps, said they would have remarkable effect on the process when passed.

    Some of the Bills, she said, recommend increase in the maximum election expenses to be incurred by candidates; that a court or tribunal should declare the person with the second highest votes winner of an election if it finds that the winner was not qualified to contest; and to outline a procedure for the use of the smart card reader in elections.

    Mrs. Dukku said some of the Bills are also for the establishment of the Nigerian Electoral Offences Commission, and for the establishment of the Electoral Offences Tribunal to be situated in Abuja, with equal status as the High Court and with exclusive jurisdiction to try electoral offences.

    She said there is also a Bill for an Act to ptovide for time frame for the submission of the list of candidates, disclosure of source of funds contributed for political parties and to empower INEC to uphold party primaries where there is a change in the result and related matters.

    She added: “There is also a Bill for an Act to further amend the Section 33 of the principal Act by inserting a provision to enable a party choose the running mate of a nominated candidate who dies before the conclusion of a gubernatorial election to replace the deceased governorship candidate.

    “As both the 1999 Constitution and the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended) regulate the conduct of elections in Nigeria, it is anticipated that the commitee’s report on the aforesaid amendment Bills, which is an infusion of its input and recommendations from various stakeholders, will further strengthen and deliver on such expectations.”

    Mrs. Dukku said he committee was also collaborating with the ad-hoc committee for the review of the Constitution to ensure that consequential amendments relating to elections are addressed to give effect to the affected provisions.

    Earlier, Nwankwo, the Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) said the gathering, an annual event of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, is intended as a platform for stakeholders in the nation’s electoral process to evaluate their preparedness for the general elections.

    He noted that, like Tuesday, those who came into office through the 2015 elections, could hardly believe that their tenure was months away, but have hardly performed to the satisfaction of the electorate.

    Nwanko said it appeared the country was already running late in its preparation for the next electoral season because, in the next seven months, candidates for the various offices would begin to emerge.

    He argued that the country could not afford to waste its precious time on frivolities and that elected leaders must learn to hit the ground running once they assume office.

  • IGP sets up anti-electricity vandal response squad 

    IGP sets up anti-electricity vandal response squad 

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has sent notification to all police commands to set up an Anti- Electricity Vandal Response Squad.

    This is coming on the heels of the escalating rate of vandalism and theft of electricity distribution assets.

    Managing Director, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Mrs. Funke Osibudu made this known to the power sector stakeholders during the 21st ministerial meeting that the power firm hosted in Asaba, Delta State. 

    She noted that despite the wider industry challenges and the sometimes very hostile and restive operating environment, the BEDC has been able to bring improvements to customer experience within the coverage area.

    She added that the company has attained an innovative and strict load management and outage schedules, which makes customers’ power availability predictable and better evenly spread in the distribution network clusters.  

    Osibudu told the stakeholders that the BEDC customers now have multiple channels of payment for their bills, adding that customers can now receive their bills through sms and emails and receive alert they make payment.

    According to her, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is in the process of standardizing allowable fines and penalties chargeable by the electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) for customer/consumer infractions. 

    She noted that there is still needs for a purpose fit legislation, criminalizing theft and expeditiously dispatching such cases before it, by setting up a mobile court.

    On tariff, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO): “The seeming freeze of retail electricity tariff without proportional ‘subsidies’ to cover cost is inhibiting DisCos ability to meet their performance obligations and in essence, customer expectations. 

    “The tariff situation is at the heart of the liquidity squeeze in Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and apparent performance gaps in same as this affects the entire value chain of the electricity market.

    “This impedes DisCos ability to access the financing necessary for Operation Expenditure  (OPEX), Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and loss reduction initiatives (including customers metering). 

    “As one of the fallout of the tariff issue, DisCos balance sheets are currently in a net liability position, as tariff shortfalls are not duly accounted for in the audited financial statements.”

  • I didn’t make any allegations against Aisha Buhari, says Misau

    I didn’t make any allegations against Aisha Buhari, says Misau

    Controversial Senator, Isah Misau has denied making allegations against the person of Aisha Buhari, the wife of the President.

    Misau was reported to have accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris of buying to Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for Mrs. Buhari, an allegation the police described as baseless falsehood.

    But the Senator, who had been in running battles with the IGP, Thursday took to social media to ‘clarify’ the situation.

    He wrote: “For the avoidance of doubt, I did not make any allegations against the person of the highly revered wife of the President, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.

    “In addressing the committee, my comments referenced court documents filed in charge CR/345/17 against me at the Federal High Court by IGP Idris.

    “IGP Idris leaked correspondence with Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Staff (COS), Director National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), ADC, Aisha Buhari and Chief Principal Staff Officer (CPSO) of the President to the public in documents filed at the Federal High Court.

    “Shocked to find documents and minutes of the President and top government officials carelessly paraded in public by the IGP in clear breach of official secrecy.

    I query the motive behind such indiscretion given that the said documents have little or no bearing on the matter of malpractice.

    “My submission to the committee was simply to call attention to how IGP Idris is unethically dropping named by filing secret documents in court.

    “Again, I make it abundantly clear: IGP Idris submitted official documents mentioning names of respected personalities. Not me.

    “I urge the press and public to be wary of any attempt to obfuscate the issues. Indeed, eternal vigilance is the price for freedom.”

     

     

  • We will eliminate kidnapping, militancy, says IGP

    We will eliminate kidnapping, militancy, says IGP

    • 100 policemen for training, 10 gunboats expected

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris Friday vowed that kidnapping and other armed crimes would be eliminated within a year with the necessary support and cooperation from Nigerians.

    He stated this during a working visit to The Nation’s corporate headquarters in Lagos to solicit support and enhance already existing relationship.

    Idris said that police officers have been strengthened and their morale boosted to combat crimes, just as he disclosed that plans were on for 100 marine policemen to be trained by the Nigerian Navy on counter kidnapping, militancy.

    He said: ‘‘we have strengthened our officers and boost their morale in combating crimes. Evans terrorized people in this country for many years but now we have the notorious kidnapper in our custody. The police deserve some credit from the public. Give me up to a year; I assure that Nigerians would see a different police working to ensure their safety in every nook and cranny of this country.

    ‘‘When this kidnapping crime was unbearable on Kaduna-Abuja highway, I went to the National Assembly and I told the lawmakers to give me a week. Within five days, our men arrested 58 suspects, who confessed to the crimes. More of the suspects were arrested and paraded on Thursday, bringing the total to 77. All we want from the public is support. The police require support and encouragement, because we are human beings too.’’

    The police chief appealed to Nigerians to own the force, adding that emphasis should be placed on causes of crime.

    He said: “We cannot blame the police for the causes of crime. As I speak to you now, I can confirm that we have over a thousand suspects in detention for kidnapping and ritual killings. Then, we should ask why we still have these crimes when we have dozens of suspects? I think we should focus on the causes of crimes and its symptoms, not the agents of reaction.

    “We have plans to develop the marine police. We are going to dominate the riverine areas. When I became the IGP, the first state I visited was Delta State, precisely Tompolo’s hometown. I discovered our presence on the creeks was minimal. I believe we can succeed in dominating the creeks if we have certain things put in place.

    “We need to train more marine police officers with modern techniques and gadgets. We need to buy more patrol gunboats and we are making progress in this respect. Already, we got offer to train about 100 policemen in marine security and a promise of 10 gunboats. By the time we get this done, we are going to start deployment from Lagos because of the rate of crime in riverine communities.

    “We have been making efforts to secure these riverine communities from militants. This progress is achieved due to the activities of the marine police. We are training the marine police to perform better. We are liaising with the Navy in the training of our marine officers. We are going to train more officers in continuous succession.”

    Asked why neither Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu nor the President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) Shettima Yerima were arrested for inflammatory comments, Idris said the National Security Council (NSC) weighed the aggregation of interests after weighing the benefits and disadvantages of certain action.

    He said: “We have the National Security Council in place chaired by the Acting President. We have been meeting and analyzing each of these threat messages from separatist groups. We have to analyse the pros and cons. As you are aware, the police is on top of the situation. You can see every action the police are taking accord with the aggregation of interest by the National Security Council.

    “As an organisation, what we take as paramount is the maintenance of law and order. There was a time we ordered the arrest of the leaders of groups making threat messages. Then, leaders of various ethnic nationalities came to the villa for a meeting with the Acting President.

    “The agreements reached at the meeting made the police to relax on the arrest order. We believe there are certain situations needed to be managed very carefully, so that you don’t bring up tension. We believe the security and safety of Nigerians is paramount. We are assuring Nigerians that there is no person or group of persons that can deny them their rights to free movement in any part of the country.

    In his remark, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Ade Odunewu commended the IGP and his entourage for the visit, noting that it showed the respect he has for the media.

    He said: “This is a friendly visit to our office. This shows the respect police accord the media, especially The Nation, which has reported the police’ commendable acts. We appreciate the visit and the kind words you have said about our organisation. In showing our support to the police to carry out their constitutional duties, we will partner you to enlighten the public on your activities. We have been doing this and we will continue to do it.”

    At the event were Chairman, Editorial Board, Mr. Sam Omatseye, General Manager, Development and Training, Mr. Soji Omotunde, Deputy Chairman, Editorial Board, Tunji Adegboyega, Editorial Board member, Olakunle Abimbola, Acting Editor, Saturday, Vincent Akanmode.

    On the  IGP’s team were Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations, Joshak Habila, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone II, Musa Ibrahim, Commissioners of Lagos (CPs) Fatai Oowseni, Ahmed Iliyasu, David Folawiyo, Shola David, Warren Bassey and Celestine Ogbuenyi, among others.

     

  • Police parade 32 for kidnapping along Abuja-Kaduna highway

    Police parade 32 for kidnapping along Abuja-Kaduna highway

    The Police Monday paraded 32 suspected kidnappers for their involvement in kidnap of motorists and travelers along Abuja-Kaduna highway.

    The police attributed the arrest of the suspects to the launch of ‘Operation Absolute Sanity’ by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris.

    The IG had last week launched the Operation to end the spate of kidnapping on the highway.

    The Police said they have not recorded a single case of kidnapping or armed robbery since the launch of the operation.

    Over ten serviceable AK47 riffles were recovered from the suspects who belong to four different kidnap gang.

    This was disclosed by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood during the parade of the suspects at Police Divisional Headquarters in Katari, Kaduna State.

    He said: “The IGP, concerned about the issue of kidnapping along Abuja-Kaduna highway deployed a special team to rout out kidnappers that have been terrorizing the highway.

    “We have made significant progress in ensuring that Abuja-Kaduna highway is safe for passengers, travelers and other road users including communities that live along the highway because they are not spared too.

    “Despite the kidnap of travelers, the kidnappers still go into villages to kidnap and terrorise unsuspecting members of the public.

    “32 of the suspects have been arrested by the team and we recovered several serviceable AK47 from them. It is the weapons that they use in terrorising and kidnapping people for ransom.

    On the roles and successes recorded by the team, Moshood said: “The special team deployed is to ensure the arrest of all kidnap elements from their hideout and make the highway safe again for all road users.

    “We have not recorded a single case of kidnapping or armed robbery since the operation commenced and it is a pointer that the operation is working.”

    Moshood said the suspects have made confessional statement admitting to the various criminal roles they played in committing the crime.

    “The suspects have confessed to various roles they played and they belong to about four kidnapping gang. Some are in charge of kidnapping while some others are responsible for negotiation and collection of ransom from families of the victims”, he said.

    The IG also commended members of the communities for providing vital information that led to the arrest of some of the kidnappers.

    The IG while assuring residents of Jere, Katari and Rijanah and others that the operation would be sustained added that the operation would be replicated on other highways across the country.

    “We will continue to build on this success to ensure that the last kidnapper is routed out of the highway.”

    District Head of Bishini Community, Giwa Gambo, while commending the deployment of the operation urged the Police to sustain it.

    He said: “We urge you people to come and help us. We are helpless because these people are armed and we cannot confront them. Our prayers are being answered because the government and Police have listened to us and deployed people to rid our area of kidnappers.

    “Before the deployment, we find it difficult to go to farm because if we go, it is either we are attacked, captured for ransom, killed or they rape our wives. This has been on for long and we thank God for this deployment.”

     

  • N1.13 trillion needed to run the Police annually – IGP

    N1.13 trillion needed to run the Police annually – IGP

    …Stakeholders call for 10 year jail term for misappropriation of fund

     

    The Nigeria Police Force needs 1.13trillion annually to function effectively, it was learnt Tuesday.

    This figure excludes major capital projects like arms and ammunition, purchase of new vehicles, and other technological needs of the Force.

    Giving a breakdown of some financial needs of the Force, the Force leadership also noted that N26.9billion is needed to fuel and maintain 14,306 police vehicles and motorcycles.

    N14.5billion is also needed annually to provide adequate and appropriate items of uniforms and accoutrements for personnel of the Force.

    It is also estimated that N700billion is needed to rehabilitate existing barracks, police stations and to build new ones.

    For the Force to also do proper investigation and prosecution of law offenders, over N200billion is required.

    This was disclosed in Abuja Tuesday by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris at the public hearing on a bill for an Act to Establish the Nigeria Police Reform Trust Fund and for other Related Matters.

    The IG noted that poor funding has negatively affected the turnout of Police personnel across the country.

    Ibrahim said: “What is required  to run the Force excluding major capital projects like arms and ammunition, purchase of new vehicles, gun boats, helicopters and other technological needs of the Police is conservatively put at N14.132,532,142,242.”

    Giving reasons for the immediate passage of the Police Reform Trust Fund bill, the IGP said: “In 2017 budget only N36.1billion was allocated to the Police for both capital and overhead costs to run the Police.

    “This is a far cry from the 1.13trillion conservatively estimated. This difference is alarming and has sounded the loud trumpet that the regular budgetary allocation to run the Police is sharply inadequate and requires urgent measure to address, if the Force must be effective and responsive to the security needs of Nigerians in a complex and dynamic policing space.

    “The Police Trust Fund is the answer because it would provide alternative and regular funding for the police.

    “The urge for the economic development of Nigeria is only possible if the security challenges are resolved. To have security in Nigeria, the Police which is the foremost security agency must be funded  and to fund the Police,  the Police Trust Fund is the desired solution.”

    Decrying the budgetary allocation of the Force, he said: “What is most worrisome is that though the budgetary allocations on paper are insufficient to meet the financial needs of the Force, the actual releases are far below what is budgeted. In the 2016 budget, less that 30percent of the allocation was released to the police.

    “As at date, the Force has fleet of 14,306 vehicles including 3,115 motorcycles nationwide and the total average annual fueling and maintenance costs of Police vehicles is N26, 948,471,000.00.

    “The basic requirement to provide adequate and appropriate items of kits for police personnel annually is N14, 583,671,264 as against the sum of N1, 752,500,000 earmarked in the 2017 appropriation. This limitation negatively affects the turnout of Police personnel”.

    On investigation capacities of the Force, Ibrahim said: “to effectively investigate and prosecute law offenders, we must invest massively in the Detective infrastructure and capacity of our investigators.

    “There is also need to install CCTV cameras, establish data base and provide video cameras in all police stations across the country as required by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, build functional crime laboratories and other investigative aids. These will cost N200billion if the police must make progress in the area of investigation and prosecution.”, he noted

    The bill if passed into law would be channeled into providing communication and information technology infrastructure, patrol and operational vehicles  and other facilities, provision of full complement of arms and ammunition, riot control equipment, protective gear and,  armoury and firing range, clothing and accoutrement, rehabilitation and construction of Police offices and stations,  personnel welfare, amongst others.

    The IGP who objected the six year life span of fund suggested that the fund be sustained after its establishment.

    According to him: “Restricting the Police Trust Fund to a period of six years as provided in Section 2 (2) of the Bill is not in the best interest of the Force and the public.

    “Issues of security and its challenges are not time bound or tied to any political dispensation. The fund once established should be sustained in the interest of National security and not to be time bound.”

    Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara stated that the passage of the bill would improve welfare of the personnel which would in turn boost them in the discharge of their duties

    He said: “Adequate funding is critical for police to function and the annual budgetary allocation is inadequate considering various crimes confronting the country.

    “Nigerians are presently disappointed in the Police we have in this country now and it is because of poor funding but with the passage of this bill, adequate funds would be provided and the Police would function effectively.”

    On his part, the Chairman House Committee on Police Affairs, Haliru Jika while supporting the bill also noted that the current structure of allocation would not give Nigerians the desired Police Force.

    Jika said: “The current structure would hardly help in giving us the kind of Police we need. The Force is presently overstretched and they are saddled with so many responsibilities with little funding.

    “Every attempt at overcoming corruption in the Force would be a wide goose chase if the bill is not passed.”

    He also expressed optimism that the bill would be approved by the House before it goes on break

    Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakin while supporting the passage of the bill suggested that a ten year jail term for whoever misappropriates the fund.

    Olonisakin who was represented by Air Vice Marshal, Ibrahim Shafi said: “We are all together with the Police on the issue of its trust fund but we are of the opinion that whoever misappropriates the fund to be accrued from the Police Trust Fund be penalised.

    “Based on past experience, we suggest that the National Assembly considers and penalize any police personnel or anybody who misappropriates the fund.

    “Anybody that misappropriates the fund should go for at least ten years imprisonment without an option of fine.”

     

  • Police set to deploy 60 anti-bomb experts trained by US

    The Nigeria Police are set to deploy the 60 Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) operatives trained by the United States on new techniques in mines, IED detection.

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris indicated this when he said there would be no vacuum in recovered states and communities the military were leaving.
    The Nation reports that the operatives on Friday, concluded the four weeks training held at the EOD Command, Bank Anthony Way, Lagos.
    The training was facilitated by the US Mission, Nigeria through Anti-Terrorism Assistant (ATA) programme in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force.
    Participants were drawn from various commands across the country and trained in four sessions of 15 participants each as EOD mentors.
    IGP Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations, Joshak Habila said the trained officers would go back and train their colleagues and subordinates.
    He said: “The training was designed to expose participants to current trends in rendering safe/disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and Unexploded Ordinance (UXOs) through the application of EOD standard practice and technique.
    “Participants were taken on overview of recent threat particularly in Nigeria and by extension Africa.
    Bomb threat assessment/tactical operations, IED electronic review,  post blast investigation overview.
    “They were also trained in chemical biological radiological nuclear awareness, team organization radiation concepts/decontamination remote operations review and rope knotting.
    “Bomb squad response equipment and maintenance. The beneficiaries are expected to impart the knowledge acquired to other bomb technicians across the country in order to enhance EOD service delivery.”
    Idris expressed gratitude to the U.S. Consul General in Nigeria, the Region Security Officer (RSO) and the facilitators for the training.
    In his remark, US Embassy’s RSO Scottie Blancett said he was optmisitic the effects of the training would be safety for people in the country.
    One of the facilitators, JonDe Martino advised the participants to observe all they were instructed, particularly, their own safety before that of others.
    Commissioner in charge of EOD, Chika Maidama described the training as precise and rich in outline, noting that it has refreshed and updated the technicians with new skills.
    He said: “I assure you all that the knowledge and skills acquired by the participants during this course, would be disseminated in our future local training as well as day-to-day activities/operations. To the trainees/EOD operatives, remember that you must be alive and safe to help.”