By Hassan Zaggi
In an effort to ensure that human right issues are tackled promptly, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has directed all Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) in charge of Criminal Investigation Departments (CID) at both the zonal and command levels to, with immediate effect, take the roles of National Human Rights Commissions (NHRC) liaison officers.
The IGP gave the directive when the Chairperson, Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Husseini Suleiman, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The IGP therefore, mandated the ACPs to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act/Laws (ACJA/ACJL) during investigations, interrogations, and gathering of evidence, and the resuscitation of Human Rights Desks in State Police Commands nationwide.
The IGP, therefore, charged the NHRC to instruct their officials in charge of various states to constantly work hand-in-hand with the Police Liaison Officers for seamless collaboration and laudable results.
While assuring of his administration’s commitment to the achievement of improved human-rights driven policing in line with his policing agenda, the IGP expressed willingness to cement the already established collaboration with the NHRC to fast-track reforms that will enhance public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking earlier, the Chairperson, Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Husseini Suleiman, while recognizing the Nigeria Police Force as a key partner in the actualization of its mandate of promoting, protecting, and enforcing human rights, called for the formation of contact points at the various police commands for effective handling of human rights related cases.
