Despite information making the rounds about Boko Haram insurgents setting up camps in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has assured residents of the safety of lives and property in the territory, even as he said the situation was not as it appeared.
A leaked internal memo reportedly emanating from the Nigeria Customs Service last week indicated that Boko Haram was setting up camps within and around Abuja has been creating tension within the city.
Fielding questions from journalists, Monday at the Force headquarters, Adamu, who did not elaborate on his statement, said a press conference would be held soon by the Public Relations Officers of the Nigeria Police, Defence and Customs to address the matter and give a true picture of the situation.
Meanwhile, the IGP met with squadron commanders, on the heels of the development, to review and discuss current internal security threats and re-evaluate strategies, as well as their roles and performances in addressing the threats.
Addressing commanders the Police boss said the meeting was convened as part of an all-inclusive approach premised on engaging officers across various sections of the Force in addressing policing and internal security issues.
He said the country was faced with major internal security threats occasioned by terrorism, banditry, armed robbery as well as small arms and light weapons trafficking and proliferation.
Adamu, who said the Mobile Police Force was central to their operational plans towards addressing these threats, maintained that the unit has remained at the forefront of the counter-terrorism operations and have over the years been fighting side by side with the military in the North-east in this respect.
“I am proud to note that in all of these operations, you have been performing gallantly and excellently. By so doing, you have justified why today the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, in spite of isolated challenges, is still considered as the most critical force in our drive to stabilize the internal security order.
“All these would not have been possible without the courageous, dedicated and professional leadership that you, as Commanders, have been providing to your personnel across the 79 Squadrons in the country. I therefore, use this opportunity to commend and thank you for your sacrifice and dedication,” he said.
He assured that more of such high-level of professional leadership would be required of them as they are deployed on election security duties in the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
He warned that policemen deployed for the assignment must operate strictly within the dictates of the Electoral Act, exhibit a high level of professionalism, be non-partisan and embrace a civil orientation to the electorates.
Adamu assured residents of Edo and Ondo states of the readiness of the Police in conjunction with INEC and other security agencies to ensure success in the elections, just as he warned politicians and the electorate to operate within the confines of the law.
The IGP promised a level playing field for all political actors and warned that anyone, regardless of political leaning, that attempts to test the will of the law enforcement agents by threatening would be promptly identified, isolated and brought to justice.
