By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Dr Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday declared that the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, as a responsible organization acted professionally in the recent political crisis which rocked Rivers State to its foundation during which several lives were lost and properties worth billions of naira damaged
Fielding questions from news men during the IGP Conference with Senior Police officers in Abuja, the IGP however pointed out that crisis was avoidable in the first instance but insisted that the Police stood by the side of the law
According to him, “on the crisis in Rivers State, the Police did not do anything wrong, they were preparing for the Local Government elections and we were waiting when a Federal high Court barred the Police from participating in the election and a counter order came from the High court that Police should participate in the election
“We have to pass the two orders to our legal department which advised that the police should stay off as ordered by the federal High Court, with this we have to withdraw from further participation
“Then the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State informed me that the State governor has deployed Police personnel from the Government House to the Secretariat of the State Electoral Commission with the aim of going ahead with the Local Government polls and then we have gotten intelligence report about plans cause crisis and then we have to deploy personnel from the command to take charge of the place.
“Then, the Elections took place and those elected were sworn in and the Police have to unseal the Local Government Secretariats to allow the new elected officials to assume duties
“If we are to remain there after the elected officials were sworn in, the Police would have been accused of taking sides, we vacated the Secretariats and then crisis errupputed, we have to return back to restore peace on the orders of the Mr President to restore peace in the state
Speaking on the efforts of the Force in fighting crimes and criminalities in the country, the IGP said that the Police arrest 10,852 suspects between July and October this year Nationwide.
He added that during the period under review, a total of 416 arms, 3,672 ammunition 178 vehicles were equally recovered while 369 kidnapped citizens were rescued.
According to him “recent statistics indicate a substantial decrease in crime rates in key areas, including significant strides in combating violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime. From July to October this year, the Nigeria Police Force successfully rescued 369 kidnapped victims, recovered 416 firearms of various makes, retrieved 178 vehicles, and seized 3,672 rounds of ammunition of different calibres. Additionally, a total of 10,852 suspects were arrested across the country.”
On the forthcoming off-season Governorship Election in Ondo State, Egbetokun said the police were adequately preparing for the election and urged stakeholders not to entertain any fear
According to him, “as we prepare for the upcoming Ondo State off-cycle gubernatorial election, I urge all involved to replicate and build upon the successes recorded in the Edo State election.
“We must ensure a robust security architecture and that officers perform their duties with impartiality and the highest professionalism. Our mission is to provide a secure environment where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.
“We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and stakeholders to ensure that the Ondo State election is conducted freely, fairly, and credibly, empowering all voters to exercise their rights without any fear of intimidation.”
Speaking on the coming Yuletide seasons celebration, the IGP said patrols would be increased and other measures would be put in place to ensure the security of lives and properties throughout the ember months.
According to him: ”As we continue with the Ember Month, a time traditionally associated with heightened security challenges, the imperative for vigilance, enhanced flexibility, and proactive policing becomes even more critical.
“Criminal elements frequently exploit this season, necessitating our strategic foresight to stay ahead. Our approach should include increased patrols and intelligence-driven and community-oriented operations to ensure public safety throughout the holiday period.
“It is crucial that we intensify our efforts to secure all areas, particularly urban and semi-urban centres, major highways, and to collaborate effectively with other security agencies and stakeholders to bolster security nationwide.”
The IGP also explained that the Falomo Police Barracks in Lagos was never sold out as being alleged in some quarters, saying that the barracks and others several years ago were being redesigned and reconstructed for the modern specifications as being obtained in other parts of the world.
