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Tag: Mohammed Adamu

  • IGP: records point to significant rise in crime after polls

    Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu, at a meeting with strategic police managers yesterday in Abuja, admitted increase in crime and outlined efforts to curb it. Excerpts from his speech:

    Criminal records point to a significant rise in crime following the conclusion of the general elections. While some security experts have attributed the trend to the disengagement of the criminal elements from politically-related activities for which they might have been engaged during the elections, others have attributed the trend to socio-economic factors.

    While the debate on the cause of the upsurge in crime could be a subject of debate or academic conjecture, what remains undebatable is the fact that the primary and statutory duty of the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in internal security framework, is the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of our internal security order.

    This places on us the responsibility of assuring the citizens of their safety and security without any form of excuses. It also challenges us to rededicate ourselves to our statutory duties, constantly review our law enforcement strategies and re-order our policing priorities towards stemming the tide of crime. It is within this context that this meeting was summoned.

    In this regard, let me emphasize that as strategic police managers, your professional competence is measured by your capacity to dissect the trends and patterns of crimes within your Area of Jurisdiction, develop and modify crime management strategies and deploy your human and material assets towards achieving a stable security order.

    While some of you have demonstrated a very high and commendable level of professional competence which has manifested in the moderation of crimes in your commands, unfortunately, the professional proficiency and sense of commitment to duty of some others are being called to question in the face of inappropriate response to threats of crimes in their jurisdictions. The current security realities in the country have made this trend intolerable.

    Read also: How politicians ruined 2019 elections, by INEC chair, IGP, others

    Consequently, I charge you all, as you return to your various commands, to renew your sense of commitment to duty and demonstrate requisite professional leadership needed to roll-back the current unacceptable trend of crimes in your commands.  In so doing, you must have the knowledge to see things differently, wisdom to think differently and courage to act creatively. Because as noted by Albert Einstein, you cannot be ‘doing the same thing over and over and expect different results’. The dynamics of crime should task you to evolve new thoughts and new approaches to crime management. Your ability to this is what defines you as a professional and an experienced police manager.

    You must therefore, return to your commands to evaluate and coordinate actions directed at overhauling your current crime control structure and strategies being conscious that the current security challenges represent a test on your leadership ability. You must learn to crime-map your jurisdiction and harness the strength within to neutralize all forms of crimes and security threats.

    The only way we can stay ahead of criminals is to continually generate actionable criminal intelligence to support our anti-crime functions. This can only be achieved if we cultivate citizens’ partnership and confidence by returning policing to the people. Consequently, in reviewing your current strategies, you must fully engage the two core policing policies of the current police dispensation which are built on community policing and intelligence-led policing values. While we at the apex leadership level will strive to support and motivate you, we shall, henceforth, not hold back in sanctioning any officer whose dereliction or weak leadership capacity continually occasions increase in crimes.

    Indeed, it is in furtherance to our commitment to complementing you that Operation Puff Adder was conceptualised and launched on 5th April, 2019 to address in the shortest possible time the threat of kidnapping, armed robbery and armed banditry in Kogi, Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina States as well as the FCT. It is gladdening to note that this initiative has recorded remarkable achievements.  Between 5th April, 2019 (when the operation was launched) and today, the initiative has recorded the following achievements:

    1. No. of kidnapping suspects/armed bandits arrested – 46
    2. No. of Suspects killed in operations    –  10

    iii.   No. of victims safely rescued – 2

    1. No. of firearms recovered – 18 (9 AK 47 rifles and 9 other locally fabricated/automatic weapons)
    2. No. of live AK47 ammunition recovered – 1300
    3. No. of live cartridges recovered – 28

    vii.  No. extra rifle magazines recovered – 10

    I expect you to replicate this strategy in your various commands in order to restore order in the public space and enhance public confidence in the Police.  Let me reassure all citizens of our renewed commitment to emplacing effective strategies towards addressing the current security challenges. The threats might appear challenging, but I can assure that they are surmountable and we shall provide the requisite leadership needed to address them.  We, however, cannot do it alone. We seek the citizens support and we trust that you shall all partner with us to present a common front in the war against criminal elements that are bent on re-ordering our national values and testing our common will.

  • Banditry: 46 suspects arrested, 10 killed in six days

    The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu has disclosed that 46 suspects have been arrested for their involvement in kidnapping and banditry in some states in the North.

    The Police boss also said 10 suspects have so far been arrested in the onslaught against bandits.

    According to the IG, the success was recorded after Operation Puff Adder was launched on the 5th of April.

    The IG also noted that the country is experiencing an upsurge in crime since the general elections was concluded.

    He disclosed this in Abuja at the Force Headquarters during the monthly meeting with police management and other senior police officers.

    Giving details of the successes recorded, the IG said: “Indeed, it is in furtherance to our commitment to complimenting you that Operation Puff Adder was conceptualized and launched on 5th April, 2019 to address in the shortest possible time the threat of kidnapping, armed robbery and armed banditry in Kogi, Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina States as well as the FCT.

    “It is gladdening to note that this initiative has recorded remarkable achievements. Between 5th April, 2019 when the operation was launched and today, the initiative has recorded the following achievements:

    “Number of kidnapping suspects and armed bandits arrested are 46, ten suspects were killed in operations while two victims have been safely rescued.”

    On the number of firearms recovered from the suspects, Adamu said: “18 AK 47 rifles and 9 other locally fabricated and automatic weapons were recovered, 1300 live AK47 ammunition were recovered, 28 live cartridges were recovered while ten extra rifle magazines were recovered.”

    On the increasing rate of crime, the IG said: “Criminal records point to a significant rise in crime following the conclusion of the general elections. While some security experts have attributed the trend to the disengagement of the criminal elements from politically-related activities for which they might have been engaged during the elections, others have attributed the trend to socio-economic factors.

    Read Also: IGP vows to smoke out bandits and kidnappers

    “While the debate on the cause of the upsurge in crime could be a subject of debate or academic conjecture, what remains undebatable is the fact that the primary and statutory duty of the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in internal security framework, is the prevention and detection of crime and the maintenance of our internal security order.

    “This places on us the responsibility of assuring the citizens of their safety and security without any form of excuses. It also challenges us to rededicate ourselves to our statutory duties, constantly review our law enforcement strategies and re-order our policing priorities towards stemming the tide of crime. It is within this context that this meeting was summoned.”

    The IG while charging his men said: “I expect you to replicate this strategy in your various commands in order to restore order in the public space and enhance public confidence in the Police.

    The IG while seeking the support of the citizens, assured them of the renewed commitment to emplacing effective strategies towards addressing the current security challenges.

    “The threats might appear challenging, but I can assure that they are surmountable and we shall provide the requisite leadership needed to address them.”

    “We, however, cannot do it alone. We seek the citizens’ support and we trust that you shall all partner with us to present a common front in the war against criminal elements that are bent on re-ordering our national values and testing our common will.”

  • 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.”

  • Police deploy Special Forces to fight kidnappers, bandits in North-West

    The Acting Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu has announced the deployment of Special Forces in the North-West to combat kidnappers and bandits.

    Adamu made the disclosure while addressing members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) on Wednesday in Katsina.

    He said the forces would attack the bandits in their camps, destroy the camps, arrest them and occupy the camps so that they would not return.

    Adamu solicited vital information about activities of criminals and bandits in their domains to enable the police continue to secure lives and property.

    “The police are ready to meet the bandits and kidnappers in their hideouts in the forests and fight them.

    Read Also: Banditry: Katsina donates 12 vehicles to Police

    “You should assist police with vital information about criminal activities in the society,” he said.

    The police boss said that the force had been able to arrest those who kidnapped Gov. Aminu Masari’s mother-in-law who was kidnapped about a month ago.

    “Nobody will commit crime and go free,” he said.

    Abubakar also urged religious leaders and the public to intensify prayers to enable the police succeed in the fight against criminal acts in the country.

    He said that such would assist the police in continuing to secure lives and property across in the country.

    NAN

  • IGP lauds NASS for passage of Police Trust Fund Bill

    The Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu has lauded the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the passage of the Police Trust Fund Bill.

    It is expected that when the Bill is signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, the challenges of inadequate equipment, poor infrastructure, inadequate training and other issues will be addressed.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba.

    The statement reads: “The Bill, when signed into law by the President Muhammadu Buhari, the Bill will be key to providing a legal framework for the management and control of the Special Intervention Fund for the training of personnel of the Force, procurement of operational equipment, infrastructures and maintenance of Police Stations across the Country.”

    Read Also: NAF strikes bandits in Zamfara, destroys 8 camps, kills scores

    The IGP expressed hope that the passage of the Bill and the eventual signing into law by the President, the federal government will be laying a solid foundation for the future of an effective and efficient structure for policing the Country.

    He also said the passage was timely as concerted efforts are being made at all levels to overcome issues of armed banditry, kidnapping and other heinous crimes across the country.

    The IGP thanked all stakeholders that helped in mobilizing support for the passage of the Bill, especially, the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Human Rights Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the media, the traditional rulers Council of Nigeria amongst others.

  • IGP visits Zamfara, charges Policemen to be offensive

    The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu has charged officers and men of the Force in Zamfara and Sokoto States to be offensive and take the battle to the bandits.

    Zamfara and Sokoto States are states in the North West currently experiencing the challenges of armed banditry and other associated crimes.

    The IG in company of the DIG in charge of Operations, Abdulmajid Ali gave the charge on Tuesday during a visit to both States.

    According to a statement by the Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba said the visit was to enable the IGP conduct an on- the – spot evaluation of operational and deployment strategies currently in place in both States and also to afford him ample opportunity to have a “one-on-one” interaction with officers and men on the ground.

    He added that the visit will also serve as a morale booster and help to galvanize local support for the Police and other Security Forces currently engaged in the Operation Puff Adder.

    While addressing the officers and men of both Commands, the IGP charged them to be on the offensive and take the battle to the bandits’ camp and ensure total reclamation and domination of all the public spaces occupied by them and bring them to justice.

    Read also: Banditry: Over 3,000 killed, 500 villages affected in Zamfara – Yari

    In a town hall meeting held in Gusau, the IGP commiserated with the community members particularly those who lost their loved ones or incurred one loss or another as a result of the activities of the bandits.

    The IGP however, called on the people to support the security agencies with human intelligence and any relevant information that could aid the success of the operation.

    Those in attendance for the meeting include; top government officials – Secretary to Zamfara State Government Prof. Abdullahi Muhammad, Chief of Staff of Zamfara State Government, Engr Abdullahi Abulkarim, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, farmers association, Mityetti Allah, religious leaders amongst others.

    On their part, the stakeholders commended the Federal Government for banning mining activities in their area.

    They equally requested for increased deployment of Policemen to their communities, even as they urged that the members of the Civilian Joint Task Force be allowed to join the Police in tackling the menace of armed bandits in their communities.

  • Breaking: FG suspends mining in Zamfara

    The Federal Government on Sunday suspended mining in Zamfara state following series of attacks by bandits.

    It also ordered foreign miners to immediately leave mining sites in Zamfara States and its environs.

    The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu briefed State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

    He said that any foreign miner that continues mining activities would have his license revoked.

    According to him, there was a nexus between activities of the bandits and illicit miners.

    Read Also: Bandits kill 50 civilian JTF, others in Zamfara

    He also disclosed that a combined team of security forces will be dispatched to the area.

    At the briefing was the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari; Director General, Department of State Services (DSS); Yusuf Bichi and Director General National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Abubakar.

     

    Details Later

     

  • Insecurity: IGP inaugurates operation ‘Puff Adder’ on Abuja-Kaduna highway

    The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, yesterday launched a special operation to tackle the increasing rate of kidnapping and robbery on the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

    ‘Operation Puff Adder’, according to Adamu, is a well thought out and major operation aimed at re-dominating and reclaiming the public space from heinous criminal elements bent on threatening the internal security order.

    It will cover Abuja-Kaduna highway and the adjoining communities and extend to Kogi, Katsina, Niger and Zamfara states.

    Adamu, speaking at the event, said:”To the criminal elements, let me sound this note of warning loud and clear: give up your criminal activities, embrace other legitimate means of livelihood or be prepared for the consequences of your criminality.

    “The citizens and the police are now united in their resolve to take the battle to your doorsteps and bring you to deserved justice.”

    The IGP said crimes, particularly those that endanger the lives and property of citizens, do not represent the traditional values as a people.

    “No nation develops to its optimal potential in an environment of crimes and fear of criminality.

    “Unfortunately, the activities of organised and murderous criminals across the country have evolved to become a threat not only to these values but to our internal security.

    “There must, therefore, come a time in the life of a nation when we, as a people, must strengthen our will and resolve to mobilise and deploy all our assets towards confronting these criminal elements.

    “Take the battle to their doorsteps and make a clear statement that the few deviants among us cannot and will not re-order our cherished national values.

    “The time is now and today’s action by the police is aimed at this direction and it is in direct compliance with the directives of Mr President to the police, to re-evaluate and emplace new operational strategies.

    “This is in order to stem the tide of kidnapping, armed robbery, armed banditry and sundry highly organised crimes across the country within the shortest possible time.”

    Adamu said as a lead agency in internal security management, the police under the current dispensation, acknowledge that the duty of securing the lives and property of the citizens is its primary mandate.

    He noted that no police agency anywhere in the world, no matter how well-trained, equipped or motivated, can solely achieve its community security and safety mandate.

    Read also: Police restrict night operation of Okada in Badagry

    He said this could not be achieved without the support of the community it is engaged to serve.

    “It is in consequence of this that the police are collaborating closely with the armed forces, the intelligence community and other sister security agencies, in this operation and in its duties across the country.

    He said to achieve the objectives of this special operation, the full support of the civil populace, particularly traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth associations and market bodies would be needed.

    He charged the policemen deployed in the special operation to see their deployment as a call to national duty.

    “The force leadership and the entire nation are looking out for two major outcomes as you discharge your duties during this operation.

    “First to protect them from kidnappers, armed robbery and other heinous criminals and to be professionals in your conduct, as you strive to attain this objective,”Adamu said.

    He also charged them to be civil with the law-abiding citizens but firm and ruthless with criminal elements that may attempt to take the risk of testing their will or threaten citizens within the area of jurisdiction.

    Several units of mobile police, other special tactical operatives like the counter-terrorism unit, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, are deployed to curb kidnapping, armed banditry, robbery and other related violent crimes.

  • Why Police are ineffective, by Acting IG Adamu

    Acting Inspector General of Police,  Mohammed Adamu has explained why the  Police are not efficient as they should be.

    Adamu spoke before the House Committee on Police  Affairs yesterday while defending the Force’s 2019 Budget proposal, as well as reflecting on the performance and challenges experienced with the implementation of the 2018 Appropriation.

    According to him, as the lead agency of government responsible for protection of life and property,  “at every turn, I am confronted with the issue of inadequate funding.”

    The Police boss said: “The Nigeria Police Force which I command today, is a pivotal organ of government and the lead agency in internal security with a strength of 301,737 personnel (made up of Police, Traffic Wardens and Civilian Staff) as at 15th January 2019.

    Read also: Policewomen get training in peace, conflict resolution

    “It is stationed across the Federation (the Force Headquarters, 12 Zones, 37 States including the FCT, 224 Area Commands, 1,401 Divisions, 1,759 Police Stations and 3,846 Police Posts).

    “This strength and spread are not static but continue to grow side by side with overall national growth and development. Unfortunately, these growth and development have over the years, not received commensurate funding.”

    He said the Police are expected to live up to the billing to ensure internal security which will attract investments, promote trade, industry and commerce for socio-economic development and growth.

    According to him Nigeria is a large country with a huge population and policing a nation as large and diverse as Nigeria requires enormous funding.

    He also told the lawmakers that for the force to maintain neutrality and avoid compromises in the performance of its statutory duties, it should obtain its funding requirements from constitutionally recognied sources.

    “Presently, the Police depends on the government for the provision of funds for its day to day operations. However, the annual budgetary allocation to the Force especially with regards to capital and overhead costs do not reflect the enormous size, scope of responsibility and actual needs of the Force.

    “Arising from the limitations of funding occasioned by the budgetary constraint, most of the requirements that would enable the Force perform are never met.

    “For instance, as against a capital budget estimate Of N342.9billion proposed for the 2018_ fiscal year, the Force was given an appropriation of N25.2bn.”

    Adamu said despite the increasing security challenges it has to contend with, the funds given the Force are grossly inadequate.

     

     

     

  • Why police remain ineffective, by IGP

    Acting Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu has explained why the Force is not as effective and efficient as it should be operationally.

    Adamu spoke before the House Committee on Police Affairs on Tuesday while defending the 2019 Budget proposal of the Nigeria Police Force as well as reflecting on the performance and challenges experienced with the implementation of the 2018 Appropriation.

    He said: “The Nigeria Police Force which I command today is a pivotal organ of government and the lead agency in internal security with a strength of 301,737 personnel (made up of Police, Traffic Wardens and Civilian Staff) as at 15th January 2019.

    “It is stationed across the Federation (the Force Headquarters, 12 Zones, 37 States including the FCT, 224 Area Commands, 1,401 Divisions, 1,759 Police Stations and 3,846 Police Posts).

    “This strength and spread are not static but continue to grow side by side with overall national growth and development. Unfortunately, these growth and development have over the years, not received commensurate funding.”

    He said the Police are expected to live up to the billing to ensure internal security, which will attract investments, promote trade, industry and commerce for socio-economic development and growth.

    According to him Nigeria is a large country with a huge population and policing a nation as large and diverse as Nigeria requires enormous funding.

    He also told the lawmakers that for the force to maintain neutrality and avoid compromises in the performance of its statutory duties, it should obtain its funding requirements from constitutionally recognised sources.

    “Presently, the Police depend on the government for the provision of funds for its day to day operations. However, the annual budgetary allocation to the Force especially with regards to Capital and Overhead Costs do not reflect the enormous size, scope of responsibility and actual needs of the Force.

    “Arising from the limitations of funding occasioned by the budgetary constraint, most of the requirements that would enable the Force perform are never met.

    “For instance, as against a capital budget estimate Of N342.9bn proposed for the 2018 fiscal year, the Force was given an appropriation of N25.2bn.”

    He said despite the increasing security challenges it has to contend with, the funds given the Force are grossly inadequate.

    This has stopped the Force from accomplishing its set objectives of providing necessary tools and infrastructure for the enhancement of its operational capacity and capability, he added

    He pointed out lack of funds has affected Fuel cost for vehicles, aircraft and Marine boats; Maintenance of vehicles, aircraft, Office/Residential Buildings, Office Equipment, Communication Equipment.

    Others affected, according to him, are Provision for Duty Tour Allowances, Office Stationery, Food Stuff including Feeding of Detainees in Police cells nationwide, Local and Foreign Courses and Payment of Insurance Premium

    “This trend has also led to incurring of liabilities on completed projects. Furthermore, budget planning and executions have been rendered difficult,” Adamu said.

    He urges the lawmakers to pass “the long awaited Police Reform Trust Fund Bill” pending before the National Assembly to bridge the funding gap in the operational and administrative needs of the Force

    At this point, the members of the committee headed by Hon Lawal Abubakar were in agreement with the IGP on the paucity of funds.

    They also promised to step up efforts to pass the Police Reform Trust Fund Bill”