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Tag: Solomon Arase

  • Ex-IGP Arase highlights role of strong security in sustaining democracy

    Ex-IGP Arase highlights role of strong security in sustaining democracy

    Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, has emphasised that a well-functioning security system is crucial for democracy to flourish in Nigeria.

    He said that the security government element must be effective for the country to truly benefit from democratic principles.

    Arase said this during the launching of his book entitled ‘Readings on Election Security Management’ and ‘Selected Readings in Internal Security Management’, in Abuja.

    He emphasised that the police and other security agencies must possess mental agility, enabling them to act with a deep understanding of democratic laws, as well as critical thinking and intellectual robustness.

    This, Arase said, is necessary to effectively navigate the complexities of the democratic space, identify unique threats that could compromise the process, and avoid law enforcement actions that could undermine the credibility of the process.

    “It also entails that they acquire strong and informed operational capacity that will position the institutions to aid other critical actors towards strengthening our democratic culture,” he said.

    Read Also: PANDEF faults Arase’s removal as PSC chair

    According to the former Police boss, despite the critical driving role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the quality of the legal framework governing the democratic process and the conduct of political actors, the professional output of the Police and other security agencies within the democratic space remains a fundamental variable in our democratic journey.

    Arase said that the purpose of his two publications was to address these critical issues by critically interrogating the complex dynamics of democratic security governance in Nigeria.

    He said: “The objects are twofold. The first is to open up the intellectual space in relation to the intellectual, legal, and professional inputs into the field of democratic policing.

    “Second is to equip Police, the wider law enforcement community, the political class, and other strategic actors in our democratic space with the requisite knowledge that will not only engender quality election security outcomes but act as a framework to hold law enforcement operatives accountable in the discharge of their electoral security mandate.”

    Arase said the books were products of his experience as a former Inspector General of Police as well as that of his legal background.

    “These clearly exposed me to the knowledge gap on election security provision in terms of research and professional outlook. This realisation was the motivating force in the perfection of this publication,” he said. 

  • Arase to IGP: probe competence of state CPs over killing of officers in Delta, Imo

    Arase to IGP: probe competence of state CPs over killing of officers in Delta, Imo

    The chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, has described the new wave of police killings across the country especially in Delta and Imo states as worrisome and unfortunate.

    Arase called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to take another look at the capacity of state command leaderships in the country.

    A recent tragedy hit the nation’s security community following the killing of six policemen in an ambush in Delta state.

    Six other officers are still missing.

    The incident came amid the March 14 killing of 18 army officers and men by some youths in Okuama, also in Delta state.

    The police authorities described the loss of the “courageous officers” as devastating.

    Two inspectors and four sergeants were killed.

    Arase said there must be consequences for the avoidable incident, adding that any state commissioner of police found incompetent, derelict and operationally/tactically porous should be eased out to avoid huge police casualties.

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ike Ikechukwu Ani: “The Police Service Commission has condemned in strong terms the new wave of killings of Police Officers on official duties stressing that these Officers are also Nigerians who deserve the support, encouragement and protection of the citizens.

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    “The Commission wishes to condole the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun on these unfortunate developments especially at a time when all hands are supposed to be on deck to rid the nation of militancy and banditry.

    “The Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police said the killings in some states across the nation has become worrisome.

    “He lamented that “we have had more than a fair share of these ugly developments in recent times and called for integrated intelligence policing.

    “The PSC Chairman condoled the families of the slain Officers and said time has come for state Command Commissioners to rise up to the occasion.

    “He enjoined the serving Officers not to be demotivated by these ugly developments but to reenact their indomitable fighting spirit that the Force is known for to ward off this new wave of assaults.”

  • International Women’s Day: Arase urges PSC women to break barriers

    International Women’s Day: Arase urges PSC women to break barriers

    As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today, the chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, said the commission’s women deserve special recognition for their commitment and selfless Service to the commission and Nigeria.

    Arase said PSC women deserve to be celebrated today for their strength, resilience, contribution, and invaluable impact in the determination to reposition and improve policing in Nigeria.

    The PSC Chairman who noted that the United Nations’ theme for this year’s International Women’s Day’ Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ is very apt, disclosed that the Commission has since Commissioned and equipped a creche in its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi Abuja for nursing mothers to allow them to bond with their children while at work.

    Read Also; PIIPER to transform policymaking in Nigeria, says Shettima

    He said the Commission will further look into other possible areas that will assist in making their job easier.

    According to a statement issued on Friday by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani: “He charged the women to remain steadfast in their service to the Commission and the nation.

    “In line with this year’s campaign team, ‘Inspire Inclusion’ Dr. Arase urged the women to defy stereotypes and discrimination and strive to continue to excel in all they do.

    “As we celebrate IWD 2024, I charge you to always stand tall, shine like the stars you are, defy stereotypes, break barriers and set new records. Happy Women’s Day! “

  • Election: Be neutral, former IGPs tells Adamu

    Former Inspector Generals of Police (IGP) have tasked the Acting IGP Mohammed Adamu to be neutral and professional in the discharge of his mandate especially as the election draws near.

    The former IGPs who stated this in Abuja during the decoration ceremony of 18 newly promoted Assistant Inspector General (AIGs) and 33 Commissioners of Police emphasized the need to stop god-fatherism in the Force and show respect to all.

    The former IGPs Aliyu Attah, Mohammed Abubakar, Suleiman Abba, and Solomon Arase also reminded the senior officers that no seat of power was permanent.

    The former police chiefs while charging Adamu to take advantage of the 2019 elections to write his name in gold in the history of the country also advised him to refuse to be used by anyone.

    Earlier in his remark, the Ag. IGP Mohammed Adamu assured Nigerians and the international community that the police has perfected plans and mobilized available assets towards giving the nation peaceful and credible elections.

    Adamu also charged the decorated officers to be professional in their conduct.

    He said: “Let me remind the promotees that the 2019 general elections are around the corner and the Nigeria Police Force, being the lead agency in the electoral process are expected to exhibit Optimal level of professionalism and to undertake their mandate within the dictates of rule of law.

    “I can assure the nation and the international community that we have perfected plans and mobilized available assets towards giving to the country peaceful and credible elections.”

    He also disclosed that all the new senior officers will be deployed for election duties.

    “All of you, the newly promoted officers, will be deployed to play active roles in this process, The Force leadership and indeed, the nation looks up to you to manifest your sense of professional excellence in the election security task you might be deployed to perform. I trust that you shall not fail the Force, neither will you fail the nation in this arduous national duty.”

    “The elevation of these seasoned senior Police Officers is a clear testimony to their history of professional excellence, loyalty, zeal and invaluable experience. That their promotion was guided by the principles of seniority and merit are also a clear testimony to the new focus of my leadership in relation to promotion policy.”

    Read Also: Adamu to Obasanjo, Atiku: explain N16bn spent on port harbours reconstruction in Lagos

    The promoted AIGs are; Maurice A. Yusuf; Ibrahim A. Lamorde, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC); Murtala Usman Mani, Wilson A. Inalegwu, a former CP, FCT; Dibal Paul Yakadi, Haruna Huzi, Mshelia, Mohammad A. Mustafa, Hyelashinda Kimo Musa, former CP, FCT, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom Commands, Adeleye Olusola Oyebade, a former Oyo State Command CP; Olusola Kamar Subair, Basen Dapiya Gwana, David Oyebanji Folawiyo, Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim, Nkpa N. Inakwu, Chris Okey Ezike, until now CP, Abia State; Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, D.M Obembe and Wilson O. Akhiwu.

    The new CPs are; Uche J. Anozie, Nwamhi Felix Yame, Mohammed Abdulmumini Gimba, Musa Adze, Philip Sule Maku, Umaru Haruna Miringa, Usman Sule Gomna, Adamu Usman, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, Ahmed Mohammed Azare, Adamu Saleh Jajeri, Maigana Alahi Sani, Audu Adamu Madaki and Dajuma Mohammed Lawal.

    Others are; Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, John Ogbonnaya Amadi, Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, Mohammed Bagega, Bello Makwashi, Buba Sanusi, Suleiman Balarabe, Rabiu Ladodo, Ndatsu Aliyu Mohammed, Yunusa Edwin Ogwuche, Cyril I. Okoro, Awosola Awotunde, Ayodele Andrew Olatunji, Garuba Danjuma, Bello Sani Dalijan, Imaikop Asuquo Okpongkpong and Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya, Jerome E. Bentem, Idris Nagoyo, Ibrahim A. Gora and Edna Obiageri.” Ugbebor.

  • IGP’s disobedience of PMB’s order

    Sir: The first task of Ibrahim Idris, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), when he assumed office in 2016, was to probe Solomon Arase, his predecessor. Idris had alleged that Arase privatised official vehicles on his departure, rendering him “immobile”. The zeitgeist at the time was “fighting corruption”, and Idris was trying as much as he could to show himself an anti-corruption crusader.

    It was not long after the noise-making and showmanship that allegations of corruption punctured the IGP’s paper shield. Senator Isah Misau alleged the he was feathering his own nest by not-so kosher means – instead of reforming and strengthening the institution he heads.

    Soon reports of how this IGP impregnated a junior female officer and “surreptitiously” had her promoted rippled in the news-sphere. He did not deny impregnating his subordinate, but rationalised his action by saying that he married the officer and that there was no law prohibiting him from doing so.

    Idris’ tenure has been one of vile controversy; controversy after controversy. He is, perhaps, one of the few police officers, who have brought disrepute to the office. When the World Internal Security and Police International Index ranked the Nigeria police as the worst in the world, the IGP and his team rustled up fictive excuses to defend of their incompetence.

    Inebriated by power, Idris had two journalists – Daniel and Tim Elombah – arrested for a critical report allegedly published on their blog, the IGP’s one in many attempts to intimidate the press.

    When news of herdsmen killings in Benue broke, Idris, without carrying out any investigation said it was a “communal clash” – a streak of sycophancy. He later apologised for the gaffe, but the action showed the undertow of his underbelly.

    Little wonder that when the president asked him to relocate to Benue State to stop the killings, he only visited the state and returned to Abuja a few days later to celebrate his 59th birthday. He stayed in the Federal Capital Territory afterwards.

    It is not surprising that he flouted the president’s order. Idris is a splitting example of the average Nigerian policeman, abrasive, defensive and power drunk.

    However, I find it incredible that the president was not aware of the IGP’s dereliction of duty. One thing is clear though, it is either the president was genuinely not aware of it or was not made aware of it. In all, I think Nigerians have had enough of this IGP and his fancy of controversies.

     

    • Fredrick Nwabufo,

    <fredricknwabufo@yahoo.com>

  • Nigeria yet to have National Policy on Policing – Arase

    Nigeria yet to have National Policy on Policing – Arase

    Former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has said that 57 years after the nation’s independence, the country was yet to develop a national policy framework and a national internal security policy that will recognize, strengthen and adopt community policing as an internal security model in the fight against crime and maintenance of law and order in the country.

    Arase said such a policy should have defined the principles of policing and pathways to strengthening public trust and partnership between the police and the citizens, stressing that one if the major factors that has sustained lack of trust between the police and the citizens has been the inability to introduce reforms needed for the reorientation of the police force inherited from the colonial masters.

    The former Inspector General of Police spoke at a Think tank conference on policing the Nigerian federation organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) with the theme “towards integrating community policing in Nigeria’s security architecture: models, policy options and strategies”.

    While, saying that Community policing is historically the rock upon which policing and internal security management rests, he said there was the need to give sustainable effect to the model within the Nigeria security space,

    According to him, the needed national policy framework will define  pathways for the attainment of the community policing initiatives define specific roles of all strategic community actors as well as law enforcement community component and also clearly define the interrelationships and obligations of each of the actors.

    He said “Police legitimacy draws from public consent and trust and lack of effective partnership between the police and the public can only sustain ineffective policing and insecurity among citizens”, adding that community policing which demands effective police public partnership and trust in crime prevention is the best form of policing.

    The former IGP said further that “even among police personnel themselves, a research carried out in 14 states discovered that if community policing strategy is adopted, it could assist to eradicate most of the challenges attributed to the traditional reactive police culture.

    “There is no debate about the efficacy of community policing model of internal security management. Community policy has been in practice in local communities in nigeria long before colonial period.

    “As we make to advance the concept of community policing in our drive to perfect our internal security, we should not be under the faulty perception that we are advocating a move, crime control practice. In co trust, community policing is part of our culture, our evolution as a natio. And our way of life until it was disrupted by colonialism and dislocated by the constitution which institutionalize central policing framework.

    “What we are pushing for is that we go back to the basics by re embracing, modifying, adapting and re adopting our traditional, community policing model to meet the dynamics of crime and modern dictates.

    “Trust is central to the effective implementation of community policing. It is recognized within the Nigerian policing space that police efficiency is dependent on citizens approval of the existence, actions and behaviors of the police.

    “Whatever line the debate tilts towards, what is not debatable is the reality that community policing is driven by trust between the local police and the community and the conduct of the local police determined the extent and strength of such trust. “By implication, it is possible that a police detachment populated by officers and me. Within the police locality may not regain the trust of the community not secure their willing partnership in crime control functions if such personnel conduct themselves in unprofessional manner towards the community members.”

  • FG to set up policy for community policing

    FG to set up policy for community policing

    …Nigeria needs 1.8million policemen

     

    The Federal Government has disclosed its intention to implement policy for the establishment of community policing.

    The policy which would be introduced soon would help address the issue of manpower in the Force and also address security challenges.

    To attain the United Nations one policemen to 100 citizens, it was also disclosed that Nigeria needs 1.8 million personnel of the Force.

    The Ag. President, Yemi Osinbajo disclosed the need for the establishment of Community policing in Abuja yesterday during the launch of a book, “Law on Prevention and Detection of Crimes by the Police in Nigeria” authored by the former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase.

    The Ag. President who was represented by the President’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu said: “There is no way we can continue with the way we are policing now and the federal government is looking carefully at the issue of community policing and very soon, we would come out with a policy on that.

    “We have to look at other parts of the world when we are doing it, sitting down in Abuja by an IG and policing the remote parts of the country and being in charge of the welfare of all the policemen across length and breadth of the country doesn’t seem to be working.

    “We all have to agree to look at this. There are concerns and challenges and they will be addressed. In the 80s, whenever you talk about private television and radio, everybody gets jittery but some people took the bull by the horn and we are getting the best for that decision today. We have to take our fears away.”

    The federal government also tasked elites to encourage their children to join the Force.

    “If we want a very good, active and efficient policing, we should also try as elites to encourage our children to join the Nigeria Police Force. If we want effective policing and believe that they are actually protecting us, we should also spare our offspring to join the police and do a good job.”

    He also revealed that some retired senior police officers would be engaged for proper implementation of the policy across the country.

    “As for the retired IGs and police officers, you may have a role to play very soon for us to depart from this old way of policing our country. It does not seem like it can work and it is not working”.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, former governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke while lending voice to the establishment of state policing noted that the decentralization of policing is the greatest prevention to crime and allows for better monitoring and intelligence gathering.

    Duke also hinted that Nigeria needs 1.8million policemen for proper policing.

    He said: “I must say that I disagree with the author’s position that state policing, though theoretically ideal will be abused and that states indeed are too financially handicapped from embarking on this. I posit instead that we must always strive for the ideal without losing sight of reality, this reality being that we are severely under policed.

    “Our population may be approaching 200 million by 2020. The United Nations ideal statistics for police civil populace ratio is 1/100. In other words, at 180 million persons, we are in need of a 1.8 million police force.

    “It is the Federal Government that is financially handicapped in this regard to accommodate this number. The States may not have the financial buoyancy to so attain, but thinking outside the box, we may attempt to bring the numbers within reason.

    He further said: “The fear of abuse can be mitigated by an oversight responsibility or authority by the Commissioner of police in the State or a State Police regulatory commission. A further realignment of the zones to create for more zones and broaden the base 1 of the force is needed, as the narrowing at the service top has become inimical to career growth and led to disenchantment.

    “We must quickly attain at least 500,000 federal police from the current 350,000 or thereabout and about the same number at the State level. The decentralization of policing and presence is the greatest deterrent to crime and allows for better monitoring and intelligence gathering”.

    He also suggested that entry level into the Force be reviewed.

    According to him: “We ought to review entry levels into the force from OND to HND and apply aptitude tests to qualify for entry and promotions, and the manpower abounds. Constant training and retraining is a sine qua non in keeping up with the dynamics of a 21st century cyber technical world”.

    Speaking also, the author of the book, Arase said the law enforcement role of the police can only be attained if officers have proper knowledge of what law enforcement entails.

    He said 21st Century Policing architecture of Nigeria ought to deviate from the state of affairs and evolve into a knowledge-driven system that is befitting of our democratic values.

    On the inadequate number of personnel to police the nation and establishment of community policing, he said: “Even if we have required number of policemen in Nigeria, we have to ask what the quality of the men are. There must be quality control in the people we are bringing. We must bring officers who are knowledgeable enough and confident to carry out their duties.

    “In my book, I noted that issues like terrorism, cross border crimes and all are not issues that can be dealt with locally. While it is good that we talk about community policing, the state police can take care of some municipal laws. When it comes to issues of terrorism, cybercrime, you need a highly dedicated central body to take care of it.

    “My own take on state policing is that it is going to come but we have to be careful how we implement it. We are talking about proliferation of firearms, how will they get it? Will states be allowed to purchase firearms indiscriminately? The problem we are trying to solve might give birth to another monster, so we have to think it through and it has to be gradual and not something we rush into.”

     

     

  • I didn’t go away with 24 vehicles – Arase

    I didn’t go away with 24 vehicles – Arase

     

     

    ‎Retired Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase has described as false, the report accusing him of stealing 24 police vehicles when he left office.

    Arase who reacted through a statement from London, where he is for his son’s graduation said every information needed by his successor on vehicles bought by the police is contained in the handover notes.

    The statement reads in part: “I suspect there must be a disconnect somewhere because every information needed by my successor are provided in my hand-over notes.”
    He also denied the allegation that the Ag. IGP, Ibrahim Idris sent him a letter concerning the car.

    According to him: “I am also not aware that any letter was written to me because if there was any dropped in my house, someone would have alerted me.

    “It’s unfortunate that this matter is being made a media issue because my successor has my telephone number and could have called me for any clarification or even sent me a text message rather than addressing the media on an issue well documented in my hand-over notes”.

    He further explained that all vehicles bought by the police under him were distributed to the state commands and other appropriate units of the Nigeria Police Force.

    Arase however promised to address the issues when he arrives Nigeria.

    The Acting Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Ibrahim Idris had on Sunday said that Arase went away with 24 police vehicles after his retirement.

    Idris also claimed that he wrote Arase to return the cars, which included two official bullet-proof BMW 7 series cars.

     

  • Buhari appoints Kpotum Idris as Acting IGP

    Buhari appoints Kpotum Idris as Acting IGP

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, as Acting Inspector-General of Police.

    He replaces Solomon Arase, who retired yesterday after reaching the mandatory 60 years of age. Arase was appointed IG in April 2015.

    President spokesman Femi Adesina announced the appointment.

    The acting Inspector-General, who hails from Kutigi, Lavun, Niger state, was born on Jan. 15, 1959.

    Idris joined the Police in 1984, after graduating from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture.He also holds a degree in Law from the University of Maiduguri.

    Idris has served in various commands and formations, working in the Police Mobile Force for 17 years as Unit Commander, Squadron Commander, and Commandant.

    He served as Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa and Kano states and was also the Commissioner of Police in charge of Police Mobile Force at the Force Headquarters.

    He was also at the United Nations Mission in Liberia and East Timor and was awarded “Medal of Merit” by the President of the Republic of East Timor in recognition of his service.

    Idris, who was in charge of Operations at the Force Headquarters before his appointment, will act in that capacity pending his confirmation.

    Arase spoke to reporters at the Villa on his successor. He said: “I want to formally introduce my successor, AIG Idris Kpotum, he is going to be in acting capacity until the Police Council confirms.

    “I want to seize this opportunity to thank Nigerians for the cooperation given me ýwhile I served as Inspector General of Police.  By extension, I want to also appeal to you to give the same support that you gave to me to my successor.

    “He is a younger man. So, I am sure he will be abreast with the contemporary policing issues.”

    The Acting IGP said: “Honestly by collective leadership, the Nigerian police is going to be governed by internationally recognised core values of policing ýeverywhere in the world, that is the issue of integrity and accountability, issue of respect for diversity, issue of compassion, issues of ensuring that our streets, our neighbourhoods, our communities remain safe.

    He promised that his tenure will ensure that the best service is provided for the country.

    Some officers who came with them to the Presidential Villa were jubilating that the state was producing the IGP for the first time.

  • Ibrahim Idris steps in as acting IGP

    An Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police (Operations), Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, on Tuesday emerged the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).

    Idris, who hails from Niger State, was accompanied to President Muhammadu Buhari’s office on Tuesday by the outgoing IGP, Solomon Arase, for his new rank decoration.

    He will remain in acting capacity until the Police Council confirms his appointment and ratified by the Council of State.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Arase said: “I want to formally introduce my successor, AIG Idris Kpotum. He is going to be in acting capacity until the Police Council confirms his appointment.

    “I want to seize this opportunity to thank Nigerians for the cooperation given me ‎while I served as Inspector General of Police, by extension I want to also appeal to you to give the same support that you gave to me to my successor.

    “He is a younger man. So, I am sure he will be abreast with the contemporary policing issues.”

    On his part, the acting IGP said: “Honestly by collective leadership, the Nigerian police is going to be governed by internationally recognized core values of policing ‎everywhere in the world. That is integrity and accountability, respect for diversity, compassion and ensuring that our streets, neighbourhoods and communities remain safe.”