The Inspector General of Police (IGP),Ibrahim Idris,has called for the immediate withdrawal of police personnel attached to , very important personalities (VIPs), political and public office in the country.
It would be recalled that Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC), Mike Okiro, had revealed that over 150,000 policemen were attached to VIPs, and unauthorised persons across the country.
Idris said, the current security challenges in the country has made it compelling for the force to streamline the deployment of its personnel attached to Political and Public office holders, aimed at enhancing effective and efficient Policing of the country.
The IGP who gave this order at a meeting with senior police officer also announced that a taskforce has since been set up to monitor and enforce compliance.
He also directed Command Commissioners of Police to establish similar task forces in their areas of jurisdiction.
“In View of the current security challenges in the country it has become expedient for the NPF to streamline the deployment of its personnel attached to Political and Public office holders, aimed at enhancing effective and efficient Policing of the country.
“Accordingly, a directive for withdrawal of all Police Officars deployed to VIPs, Political and Public office holders, with immediate effect, is hereby given.
“This directive includes business entrepreneurs, Multi-National companies as well as corporate individuals.
“A Task Force has been constituted at the Force Headquarters under the Command of ACP Mohammed Adamu Dankwara, to ensure compliance to this directive, while the Command Commissioners of Police to replicate some at their various Commands.”
He, however, noted that corporate bodies and others affected in the policy, could apply for deployment of personnel. Such applications, Idris insisted, would be considered on the basis of merit by Command CPs.
“However, business entrepreneurs. multiNational organisations, corporate individuals, and entities that require such services and are found to be worthy, will be considered from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the Nigeria Police Force on application for re-validation through the states Commissioners of Police where they are resident/domiciled.
“The Commissioners of Police are to profile and recommend if such applicants merit the services for approval.
“By so doing, I am charging the Commissioners of Police with the responsibility of supervising such official deployment and thereby holding them accountable.”. Meanwhile, the IGP has frowned at what he said was the abuse of Siren and Spy number plates, approved for banks, security firms, as well as Multinational companies. Consequently, he has directed holders of Spy Number Plates, to return same to the Force Headquarters for revalidation purposes, upon application. “I have equally observed the excessive abuse of Spy Number Plate, Covering of
Plate Numbers and Illegal use of Siren. The Police Spy Numbers exclusively approved for use by Banks, Security Companies and Multi-National Companies is grossly abused. A situation where criminals now take advantage of this to perpetrate heinous crimes.
“Some individuals have formed the habit of covering their vehicle plate numbers and also illegally use siren. This practice should stop forthwith.
“I have, therfore, directed that holders of all police Spy plate numbers are to return them to the Force Transport Officer at the FHQ, where they are expected to apply for re-validation”, he said.
According to him “The Task Force under ACP Moh’d Adamu Dankwara will ensure compliance to this directive and arrest violators.
“A similar Task Force is to be formed at the Command levels by State Commissioners of Police to ensure compliance with this directives and list of the Task Force Team be forwarded to thrive DIG Operations latest 31st March, 2018.”
Stella Enenche, Abuja.
