The Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has tasked commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Protection Units (SPU), and Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), to ensure officers under their command operate within the dictates of the rule of the law and best practices.
Speaking during a meeting with Commanders of the tactical and operational units of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Wednesday in Abuja, the police boss said they shall be held accountable not only for their actions and inactions but also for the professional infractions of all personnel under their command.
He said, “The tactical and operational units of the NPF was established as specially trained and equipped detachments with capacity to undertake special operations aimed at deterring and mitigating the threats of violent crimes, and terrorism as well as the provision of specialised security and escort duties for high risk individuals and corporate organisations.”
According to him, “The three detachments were established to complement each other… They are, therefore, critical components of the broad internal security architecture of the NPF and have been strategic to the achievements we have so far recorded in relations to the stabilisation of the nation’s internal security space over the past one year of my leadership.
“Having achieved this much, there is the need to re-evaluate our strategies with a view to sustaining the gains we have so far recorded having regards to the roles of the special operational arms of the Police.”
Speaking further he said: “As we strive to enhance your orientation and strengthen your professional capacity in dealing with current and emerging crimes, let me remind you that as commanders you shall be held accountable, either directly or vicariously, not only for your actions or inactions, but for the professional infractions of all the personnel under your command.
“Of late, there have been reports of incidents of incivility to citizens, misuse of firearms, deployment of personnel on unathourised duties and mounting of illegal road blocks by personnel under your watch all against extant directives of the leadership of the NPF. These unprofessional and illegal conducts are most intolerable
“Your primary duty is the protection of the lives and property of citizens and strict adherence to Force orders and directives in so doing. Indeed, the need to perform your duties within the dictates of rule of law and best internal standards is sacrosanct and should never be compromised under any circumstances of guise.”
