10th September, 2012
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, on Monday, urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the police in their renewed determination to stem the spate of crimes across the country.
Abubakar said that the police was committed to securing lives and property in the country.
He described the robbery in Lagos on Sunday which claimed the lives of three of his men as the price which must be paid regularly, adding, “this is part of the hazard of the job. “
“When you are chasing criminals, criminals will also chase you so the tendency of policeman being attacked is there.
“I say with due sense of responsibility we are not losing the battle.“
Abubakar, who acknowledged that the country was actually experiencing security challenges, however, said that the situation was under control.
“I can recall vividly about eight months ago when we came on board, the security of this country was being threatened.
“We came in at a time when police stations were being attacked; we came in at a time when policemen were being attacked.
“But today, the situation is different, the story is different; we have been able to contain the trend.
“We have made massive arrest and we are still doing our best to ensure that we reduce the level of insecurity in the country.
“So we are appealing to Nigerians to be patient with us and give us time within which to tackle this menace.“
Abubakar also assured the five officers who were injured during their UN Peace Keeping mission, that they would be compensated adequately.
He gave the assurance when he visited the officers at the Military Hospital Yaba, Lagos, where they are being treated.
“We will liaise with the United Nations /African Union Mission in Darfur to ensure you are adequately compensated for injuries sustained in the course of service to humanity.
“This administration is committed to prioritising welfare, to boost the morale of officers and men of the Nigeria Police, including
personnel on various peacekeeping operations across the globe.”
Abubakar assured them that the police would not allow their efforts to be in vain.NAN