Matilda Omonaiye/
Police authorities are set to rebuild the command structure to break barriers in promotion and security nationwide.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, has revealed that additional 88 Area Command Headquarters are being created to boost operational efficiency and create room for promotion.
Idris made the revelation yesterday while addressing policemen at the Police College, in Ikeja, during a two-day visit to Lagos that will end with a lecture at the Eko Hotel today.
He said that he had already written to the Police Service Commission (PSC) and was awaiting its approval of the proposal.
Idris said, “We are waiting for approval from the PSC for the 88 new area commands and by extension, this means we are going to have more assistant commissioners of police.
“This will also create room for more chief superintendents of police to be promoted. Do your best, in your duties, and you will be promoted.
“We are changing the face of policing in Nigeria; policemen that are people-oriented with the satisfaction of the citizens as the primary focus.”
Idris also frowned at the actions of some policemen, who took pictures with the self-acclaimed IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
“Nationalism is key,” he said. “Some officers were taking pictures with Nnamdi Kanu and this is someone that is challenging the unity of this country.
“We will not take it with levity. There should be no double loyalty to Nigeria. No matter your rank, your commitment to the country should be absolute.
“As policemen, you must be committed to unity, leadership and authority of government of this country. No double standards are allowed.”
He said 10,000 more personnel had been recruited and undergoing training to boost the nation’s police.
Speaking on the ongoing move to pass into law for the setting up of the Police Trust Fund, the IG said it was being done after realising that government budget alone could not cover police entire needs.
He said, “This Trust Fund will address the issue of funding for the police forever and this will help us to carry out effective service.
“We just had a public hearing about the bill and we had a large turnout of civil society organisations and other appropriate stakeholders. With this trust fund, we can buy more equipment and pay allowances for investigation.”
Idris emphasised his zero tolerance for corruption and warned police personnel to shun collecting money for bail.
“Bail is free. If you collect money for bail, you will pay the price and we will kick you out of the Force. Your duty is to provide services for the protection of lives and properties of the citizens,” he said.
He also charged his men to respect the fundamental human rights of the citizenry, as well as their right to free speech and movement.
“Section four of the Nigeria Police Act gives you the police officer the right to arrest anyone that constitutes offence, irrespective of your rank.
“Despite the rank, a constable can arrest a minister or anyone that contravenes the law of the nation but you must use that right judiciously.”
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