The former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Kpotun-Idris, has called on Nigerians to support the Nigeria Police in its relentless efforts to tackle the recurring security challenges in Nigeria.
He said with such sustained support from all well meaning citizens, the myriad of security challenges that include kidnapping, banditry and other related security infractions in the country will be roundly tamed.
Kpotun-Idris, who holds the traditional title of Zannako Nupe, made the call when he paid a Sallah homage to the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, at his Wadata Palace, Bida, Niger state.
Kpotun-Idris said the call was necessary in view of the fact that most of the criminals lived within the people and they are part of the citizens of the nation.
“Kidnapping and banditry are posing formidable challenges to the force, but, with the support and assistance of the people, the force will overcome it,” he averred.
The former IGP further urged Nigerians to support Acting IGP Usman Baba Alkali’s determination to address the security challenges facing the country, with a view to ensuring safety of lives and property.
He said that, the police and the other security agencies would need the support of all Nigerians to curb the menace of insecurity and bring lasting development in the country.
He noted that the Nigeria Police is capable of curbing all the security challenges confronting our dear country; but, “we cannot do it alone.
”Kpotun-Idris further urged youths in the country not to resort to militancy and criminality as ways of resolving their grievances, but constantly engage the government through legitimate channels, to resolve any grey issues.
The former IGP, however, charged the Muslim faithful to use the occasion of the Eid-el-fitir sallah celebrations to imbibe and promote the noble virtues of humility, love, peace, harmony and mutual co-existence which Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, professes.
“I sincerely appeal to the Muslims to seize this opportunity to offer special prayers for the unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria so that the country overcomes its recurring myriad of challenges,” he said.
Kpotun-Idris further appealed to Nigerians to continue to tolerate and live in peace with one another, irrespective of religious, cultural and ethnic differences.
The former IGP said: “Peace and unity are veritable tools for national development. So, Nigerians must strive to maintain them for the nation to move forward.’’
Here said that, sustained fervent prayers would enable the nation to overcome the devilish acts and other destructive be, as well as devilish forces threatening the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria.
The former Police boss also noted that the two major religions in the country preach peace and unity, as such, “we should adhere and focus our attention on how to go closer to God”.
