Reforms: IGP, House C’ttee on Police meet, urge end to violence

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, Friday, meet with the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs on the on-going reforms of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and violence arising from the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the country, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

A press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba, said the committee, led by the Chairman, Hon Usman Bello Kumo, as part of the oversight functions, visited the police boss to assess and proffer advice on the ongoing reforms of the NPF and efforts at restoring normalcy to areas affected by violence arising from the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the country.

Mba said the IGP intimated the committee that the Force had commenced comprehensive​e internal review and evaluation of circumstances that led to the #EndSARS protests, the violence, fatalities and damage to critical infrastructure that emanated therefrom.

He said Adamu also apprised the committee on efforts made so far by the Force to restore normalcy and prevent future occurrence.

He said some of the efforts include: strengthening the internal disciplinary mechanism of the Force, training of the newly formed Tactical Squad, debriefing and psychological/medical examination for operatives of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad and general improvement of police-citizen relationship, among others.

He said the IGP reassured the committee as well as the Nigerians that the Force was more than ever before committed to police reforms so as to ensure safe and secure environment for all to live and thrive devoid of any violation of their fundamental human rights.

The spokesperson said the committee expressed satisfaction at the efforts by the IGP in managing the #EndSARS protests; however, they called for an all-inclusive approach at ensuring immediate end to the violence, improving police service delivery, rebuilding trust and public confidence and respect for human rights amongst others.

He said the members commiserated with the IGP over the loss of police personnel during the crisis and promised to work with the Force to ensure an enabling environment for optimal performance by the police. Mba said the committee also called on other stakeholders, including parents, guardians, online influencers, youth leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, to work with the police and government to bring a halt to the carnage on our streets and restore law and order.

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