By Hassan Zaggi
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has unveiled a new set of guidelines to assist the police tackle the incidences of domestic violence, rape, child molestation and other incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The guidelines will also assist security agencies foster a more harmonious relationship with members of the public, deepen respect for the rights of citizens in the current fight against COVID-19.
While unveiling the guidelines in Abuja, Monday, the IGP expressed concern over the increasing reported cases of domestic violence, rape, defilement, cybercrimes etc linked with the COVID-19 restrictions.
The emerging cases of violence, the IGP said, have prompted the introduction of the Operational Guidelines which, according to him, will help to adequately coordinate and reshape the conduct of personnel of the Force and other law enforcement agencies on the frontline of operations in the enforcement of the COVID-19 prevention orders.
It will also serve as a standard code of conduct for Police officers in similar operations in the future.
Also, the IGP has ordered the strengthening of the Gender-Desk Units and the Juvenile Welfare Centres (JWCs) across the country and the deployment of investigative assets to deal with gender related offences.
In addition, the Cybercrime Unit of the Force has also been strengthened to deal with cybercrimes connected with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IGP has equally charged the Force Provost Department, the X-Squad, the Force Public Relations Department, the Complaint Response Unit and the Public Complaint Bureau to carry out their oversight roles of adequate evaluation and monitoring of officers to ensure compliance with the guidelines and bring erring personnel to book.
IGP Adamu, therefore, called on Nigerians to give the Police and other Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) the needed support and cooperation, as according to him, all hands are on deck to curtail and contain the virus in the country.
