NHRC Honours 200 Policemen

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has rewarded 200 officers and men of Zone 3 Police Division, Wuse, Abuja with awards of friendly  policing.

Mr. Roland Ewubare, Executive Secretary of the Commission, told journalists  on Thursday in Abuja that the Commission had over the past 10 years, witnessed a significant improvement in the quality of policing in Nigeria.

He attributed the improvement to the size and strength of the Police, which according to him, resulted in the promotion and protection of civil rights and liberties of Nigerians.

The awards, he said, were given to encourage the Police towards improved and progressive participation in friendly policing.

“The essential duty of the Nigeria Police Force as stipulated in section 214 (3) of the Constitution, is to ensure the maintenance of public safety and order.

“As such, the Nigeria Police Force needs to interact very closely with the citizens of Nigeria to avoid frictions.

“However, the management of the friction or lack of management thereof is where the seeds of human rights friendly policing are sown,’’ Ewubare said.

The Executive Secretary said the Commission had gone through rigorous and extensive survey of Police formations in FCT and had singled out the Wuse Zone for commendation under the leadership of CSP Zubairu Sabiu.

Ewubare also suggested that Police men and women should enjoy the same healthcare treatment provided for members of the National Assembly.

He added that the Police should be provided with the latest, most sophisticated weapons and tools of fighting crimes in the society.

He, however, called on Federal, State and Local Governments as well as corporate organisations to step up efforts and support the Police.

Ewubare commended the efforts of CSP Sabiu in fighting crimes within FCT and ensuring prompt release of suspects cleared of allegations against them.

“Nobody is detained in his cell for more than 24 hours. Sabiu, however, frees suspects whose evidence against their alleged crime is not known,’’ Ewubare commended.

On the awards, Ewubare disclosed that some SPs, DSPs, and ASPs as well as  Inspectors were among the beneficiaries .

Others, according to him, are Sergeants, Corporals, Constables, Traffic Wardens and the CSPs.