*You must not spare trouble makers, Police boss directs Zonal Commanders
*Suspends issuance SPY plate numbers and tainted glasses permits
By Ezeocha Nzeh
Ahead of planned anti-government protests and demonstration in commemoration of June 12 Democracy Day by some civil society groups, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has directed the Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (ZIGPs) and Commamd Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),not to spare any person or group that may want to take advantage of the event, to threaten the nation’s internal security.
It would be recalled that the CSOs have concluded plans to stage what they dubbed anti-government protests over rising insecurity, alleged extra judicial killings in some parts of the country, as well as abuse of citizens’ rights, and other challenges facing the country
The IGP, whhile addressing a strategic meeting of the Police Commamders in Abuja, Tuesday, however, admonished them to deal ruthlessly with criminal elements, but to remain civil with law abiding citizens, during the Democracy Day celebration.
“The June 12 Democracy Day is gew days away. We are currently reviewing the security situation, with a view to ensuring hitch-free exercise. Details of this will form part of our discussion.
“I must, however, remind you all of the need to remain civil with law abiding citizens, but firm with any person or group that may wish to take advantage of the event to threaten our internal security order,’’ he instructed.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of some officers in unnamed police commands, even as he charged Command Commissioners of Police against unnecessarily impounding peoples’ vehicles.
“Police facilities are not junk yards and must not be turned to one. Indeed, such acts create vulnerabilities which often engender attacks on our facilities.
“Accordingly, I task you to return to your commands and undertake a major operation to clear all such indiscriminately impounded vehicles off your stations.
‘’The compliance to this directive shall be confirmed in the course of my on-going tours to your command and any Departmental Head, Zonal Commander, CP or Unit Head that is found wanting will be dealt with.
“I have also received reports of abuses associated with the use of SPY plate numbers and tainted glasses.
“Accordingly, henceforth, the issuance of SPY plate numbers and tainted glass permits are hereby suspended.
‘’The existing authorizations are being reviewed and a protocol to regulate the issuance of such permits will be evolved.
“An emerging trend in which some motorists cover their plate numbers has also been noticed across the country. This practice inhibits our law enforcement operations and hence, is intolerable.
“Consequently, commissioners of Police are tasked to as part of their operations, to arrest any motorist involved in this act.
“Furthermore, I have been receiving reports that some CPs are still allowing the mounting of road blocks in their jurisdictions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, road blocks under any description or guise, remain banned across the country and any officer found to be contravening this order will be held liable and dealt with firmly.
“The society has evolved. As law enforcement operatives, we must align our policing strategies to this societal dynamics, particularly, at this time that our policing functions are being built in the community policing model in which the citizen’s interests are prioritized.
“Road blocks as a policing model is becoming obsolete and unacceptable, hence we are working towards enhancing our intelligence-led and technology-driven policing capability as well as strengthening the ‘Safer Highway Motorized Patrol Scheme’ as an alternative to road blocks.
“Therefore you are tasked to ensure that deployments within your command are reviewed and your operations aligned to this new policing approach which discourages the disposition to limiting the liberty of the citizens through road blocks which are known to be avenues for corrupt tendencies and other vices that widens the trust gap between the citizens and the police”.
Meanwhile, the IGP has redeployed two Deputy Commissioners of Police and 14 Assistant Commissioners of Police, among others.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, Monday Bala Kuryas was removed as the CP Anambra state to be replaced by Christopher Owolabi.
Alkali explained the deployment was part of on-going effort at re-ordering, overhauling, and strengthening the security and policing architecture in Anambra, South-East and South-South regions.
