Abubakar Cautions Nigeria Police Against Molestation

Any policeman who harasses, mistreats or molests members of the public henceforth risks severe sanction from the police high command.

Acting Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar handed down this warning Wednesday in Benin City to officers and men of Nigeria Police, Edo state command, while receiving 50 patrol vans donated by the Governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole.

The IGP cautioned officers and men involved in all security operations to be polite and respectful while dealing with members of the public, adding that “any officer who violates, discriminates, molests, harasses or treats any citizen with disrespect will be severely sanctioned according to the law.”

He further admonished the officers to use the patrol vehicles for the purpose for which they were bought, adding that the purpose for which the vehicles were bought was “for the security and safety of the people of Edo state.”

Governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhle who earlier handed the patrol vans to the IGP, observed that police cannot fight crime alone, adding that the donation of the vehicles was “our own contribution to reinforce police capacity to fight crime in Edo state.”

He added: “we remain resolved that criminals cannot stop us from this battle, but without appropriate logistics, the police cannot function effectively. We hope with these vehicles, officers and men will be effectively motorized to secure the state.”

According to him, the police under Abubakar will be more effective, adding that “it is a testimonial of our confidence in your leadership.”

While cautioning politicians in the state against politicising and trivialising security matters, Oshiomhole said: “if all of us are united in the battle against crime, criminality will be eradicated from the state.”

By Jethro Ibileke/Benin City