The Integrity Youth Alliance has clarified the false narrative in the media that AIG Usaini Gumel was redeployed to “Community Policing, Research and Planning” for allegedly describing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara as unconstitutional.
Reacting to the publication by Daily Nigerian, titled “IGP transfers AIG Gumel to Community Policing’ for describing Fubara’s suspension as unconstitutional,” the National Coordinator of the Alliance, Kelvin Adegbenga, said that AIG Usaini Gumel was redployed based on his community policing experience, especially in Kano State.
“We all know that some youths in Kano State deal in drugs, especially at the community level, and Gumel, as the CP, drastically reduced the abuse at the grassroots by fighting the war against drug abuse and peddling in the state.
“This earned him an appreciation letter from the Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in January 2024, Adegbenga said.
He further said that due to his community policing efforts, AIG Gumel also received appreciation letters from the Kano State Ministry of Education and the Independent Magazine Publishers Association of Nigeria, among many other Commendations.
“We recall that when he assumed office as Commissioner of Police in Kano State in 2023, he emphasised the importance of collective effort and community collaboration in promoting policing activities.
“His strategy as Commissioner of Police was straightforward: engage with the communities they served, listen to their concerns, and work together to overcome emerging security challenges.
“His community policing approach has enabled him to effectively address socio-economic crime dynamics and create a safer environment for all residents of Kano State; hence, his redeployment to the ‘Community Policing Unit’ under the Department of Research & Planning, Adegbenga said.
“We strongly believe that AIG Gumel will strengthen the vision of IGP Egbetokun on Community policing, a strategy emphasising community involvement in crime prevention and problem-solving.
“It is on record that IGP Kayode Egbetokun envisions a community-orientated Nigeria Police Force, emphasising partnerships between citizens and law enforcement to improve public safety, reduce crime, and foster trust, while also contributing to national economic recovery, social cohesion, and political stability.
“We therefore call on Nigerians, especially the media, to verify information from the Force Public Relations Department before going to press to publish unsubstantiated information, the statement said.
