…As IGP Meets Strategic Police Managers
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday 13th February 2023 commissioned a wide assortment of operational assets acquired by the Nigeria Police Force for improved strategic and tactical operational deployments, particularly in light of the upcoming 2023 General Elections.
The equipment was acquired to ensure proper enforcement of electoral laws and a seamless electioneering process and stabilise the public space before, during, and after the general elections and enhance the capacity of the NPF to manage civil disorder in line with acceptable national legal framework and global law enforcement protocols.
During the commissioning, Pres. Buhari commended the efforts of the IGP in advancing the commitment of his administration to a reformed, modernized, fully equipped, highly motivated and citizen-focused Police Force that is re-oriented to the virtues of professionalism, respect for the rule of law, due process, operational efficiency and best international practices in policing the nation.
The President further stated that he has significantly accomplished plans to reposition the police and expects that the incoming administration will sustain his initiative.
Among the equipment commissioned include a total of 127 operational vehicles such as Toyota Hilux Pick Up vans, Zahab Classic Pick Up vans, Mikano Rich-6 Pick Up vans, anti-riot water cannons, Armored Personnel Carriers, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeeps, Toyota Coaster Buses, Toyota Hiace Ambulances, Mikano Trucks, and Crowd Control Barriers Vehicles.
Similarly, a large catchment of arms, ammunition, and riot control agents such as tear gas, tasers, stun guns, pepper sprays, bulletproof vests, helmets, and other personal protective equipment was commissioned by the President.
Immediately after the commissioning, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, met with Strategic Managers of the Nigeria Police Force in his quest to achieve an ideal environment for safe, secured and credible 2023 General Elections.
The Conference, which is the first for the year 2023, is targeted at reviewing the internal security of the country and reassessing the Poliuce’s strategies towards the imminent 2023 General Elections.
The IGP tasked the Strategic Police Managers to safeguard the public space for the elections in active synergy with other security agencies. While charging them to make certain that quasi-security outfits created and owned by state governments are precluded from election duty.
He stressed that national security interest overrides personal interest and as such, in line with the directives of President Buhari, the election shall be policed civilly with full compliance with the rule of law.
The IGP also warned all officers to remain apolitical in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.
Dignitaries present at the commissioning include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, the acting Chairperson of the Police Service Commission, Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, the Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Dingyadi, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao and the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa.
