I-G Pledges To Redeem Police Image

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Solomon Arase, says his goal in the office is to redeem the image of the Nigeria Police.

Arase made the remark on Monday while inaugurating facilities including Joint Operation and Control Room at the Police Command in Awka.

The I-G, who said he took the decision due to the wrong perception of the police by the public, restated that he had ordered the dismantling of all road blocks across the country.

He said: “I want you all to shun corruption and other vices that paint the police in bad colour.

“l have deployed 16 teams to all the zones to ensure that the police adopt to international best practices.

“I also assure you of prompt and regular training and re-training as well as promotion but will not hesitate to sanction any policeman found wanting of his/her duties.

“I urge you all to work closely with the public to achieve better results as measures had been put in place to encourage community policing across the country.’’

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hassan Karma, described the I-G as an “embodiment of professionalism.”

He assured the I-G of the command’s readiness to achieve the mission and vision of the police, especially in containing crimes to the barest minimum in the state.

Arase, who interacted with officers and men of the command, reinstated Mr Obot Okon to Corporal following what was termed his ‘illegal demotion’.

He also announced that Mr Onyisi Oshogbo, who had third degree burn in the course of his duty, would be sponsored by the police to undergo plastic surgery worth N6 million.

Earlier during a courtesy visit to government house, Arase commended Governor Willie Obiano for his “uncommon intervention” in security sector reforms in the area.

Responding, Obiano re-assured the people of the state of his administration’s determination to maintain peace and order.