FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN
Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Disu, said yesterday that the abuse of power and unprofessional behaviour capable of bringing the force into disrepute is gone.
Disu stated that police personnel possess the capacity to rank among the best globally if they embrace professionalism and discipline.
He gave the warning in Benin during an official visit to the Edo State Police Command, where he addressed officers and men on discipline, professionalism and accountability in policing.
He warned officers against misconduct, abuse of power and unprofessional behaviour capable of bringing the force into disrepute.
The IGP referenced recent incidents involving police misconduct, including the alleged killing of a suspect by an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Delta State and the arrest of officers accused of extorting residents in Port Harcourt.
Disu condemned the alleged shooting of the suspect in broad daylight after he had already been apprehended by civilians and handed over to the police.
“Is that what we are taught in the academy? Is that what they taught us in college? How did you feel after that policeman disgraced all of us? You felt bad about it. You felt it was difficult for you to put on your uniform after that,” he queried.
He disclosed that the officers involved had been recommended for dismissal, while the Police Service Commission had approved the recommendation.
According to him, the case file has already been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for prosecution.
The IGP also revealed that some officers recently arrested in Port Harcourt for allegedly using operational vehicles to extort residents had equally been recommended for dismissal.
“They started moving around town, arresting everybody arbitrarily and finally collecting their money from ATMs. They have all been recommended for dismissal,” he stated.
The police chief noted that it is time for a new Nigeria Police Force.
“I know I cannot do it alone. That is why I have come to talk to you so that all of us will be on the same page.
“Are you happy the way the Nigeria Police Force has been rated? I know you and I can do better. I know the stuff with which all of you are made. I know we qualify to be the best police in Africa. We are qualified to be the best in the world if we want to do it,” Disu added.
Disu, however, commended officers for their sacrifices and contributions to national security. It is not all bad. Officers, you have been wonderful. You have been the ones who have kept the country together as it is today.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the command had intensified intelligence-led policing, aggressive bush-combing operations, high-visibility patrols and raids on criminal hideouts across the state.
Agbonika noted that the command had recorded successes against kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery suspects and cult-related criminal gangs.
These, he said, were achieved through the activities of the newly established Violent Crime Response Units, VCRU.
“The command has remained resolute in confronting security challenges through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and strategic deployment of tactical assets to combat violent crimes across the state,” he said.
The commissioner, however, appealed to the IGP for more operational support, including arms, ammunition, armoured personnel carriers and manpower to tackle evolving security threats in the state.
“We humbly appeal for your continued intervention and support in these critical areas to further strengthen the operational capacity of the state command,” Agbonika added.
