The Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, on Saturday ordered the withdrawal of policemen from politicians, saying that only “high risk” politicians should be allowed to have orderlies.
Mr Arase gave the order in Minna, the capital of Niger State, while on a one-day visit to address officers and men of the Niger State Police Command.
According to him, the policemen to be withdrawn would be deployed to regular police duties.
Addressing personnel he said Niger State needed more manpower to curtail the rate of crime in the state which he described as ‘a state with a large landmass’.
He further laid emphasis on the personalities of the police force and the need to be firm, honest and knowledgeable on their responsibilities in order to carry out their duties diligently.
Mr Arase also stressed the need for the police force to respect the fundamental human rights and avoid arresting innocent people.
On the welfare of Policemen across Nigeria, Mr Arase decried the dilapidation of Police Barracks, pointing out that the force was already seeking funds to rehabilitate them.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Marafa, in his remarks highlighted the achievement of the command, stating that there is a drastic reduction on highway crimes in the state.
He said community policing should be encouraged to further establish a cordial relationship between the police and the communities and mould their perception.
He also told the Inspector General that the state government had been contributing immensely to the police force in the state.
The Inspector General of Police later paid a courtesy visit on the Emir of Minna Dr. Umar Farouk Bahago, in his Palace and the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Ahmed Mohammed Ketso in the Government House.
