Deeply worried about the new wave of killings of serving Police officers in Nigeria in recent weeks, the Police Service Commission , PSC, has called on the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to take another look on the capacity of state Command leaderships in the country.
Chairman of Police Service Commission Dr Solomon Aras strongly condemned the new wave of killings and want the police to check the trend .
Lamenting the killing of not less than 12 police officers in two weeks, Dr. Arase said the killings in some states across the nation has become worrisome .
“There must be consequences for this avoidable incidents adding that any State Commissioner of Police found incompetent, derelict and operationally/tactically porous should be eased out to avoid these huge Police casualties.”
He lamented that “we have had more than a fair share of these ugly developments in recent time and called for an integrated intelligence policing.
He noted that Police Officers on official duties must be respected, stressing that “these Officers are also Nigerians who deserve the support, encouragement and protection of the citizens.”
The PSC Chairman condoled the families of the slain Officers and said time has come for state Command Commissioners to rise up to the occasion.
He enjoined the serving Officers not to be demotivated by these ugly developments but to reenact their indomitable fighting spirit that the Force is known for to ward off this new wave of assaults.
The Commission also condoled the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun on unfortunate developments especially at a time when all hands are supposed to be on deck to rid the nation of militancy and banditry.
Recalled that last Saturday,March 23, the Police Forces Headquarters Abuja released the names of six police officers who were gruesomely murdered in Delta State.
The.pictures of the deceased officers and six other police officers who were killed elsewhere are contained in a poster of deceased officers, the police and indeed the nation are mourning.
Deservingly, the Police authority planned to honour them posthumously for their noble services and sacrifices at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony scheduled for April 5.
Same last Saturday,, two other police officers were killed in a heartless ambush by gunmen in Imo State. They were ambushed in the early hours of Saturday while on patrol duty along old Gariki Road, Okigwe, Imo State.
Also.disturbed about the trend the Inspector General of Police Egbetokun last week said immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of the abhorrent crime are brought to justice.
According to Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement the Inspector General of Police has mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers, and this has led to the arrest of five (5) suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators.
It is paramount to underscore that contrary to perceived notions in some quarters, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to responding decisively to the loss of its officers and men as a result of the many unforeseen hazards associated with our job due to the dynamics of crimes and criminality globally.
Recent incidents, he pointed out, such as the murder of SP Angbashim in Rivers State, where the perpetrators have been painstakingly traced to their hideout and decimated during the exchange of gunfire with gallant operatives of the Force is a vital pointer.
Notable also is the swift and robust response to the attack on the Police Command Headquarters in Adamawa State where one Inspector Jacob Daniel was gruesomely murdered, which was followed by a visit to Adamawa State by the IGP, and timeous response by Mr. President upon being briefed. Equally, efforts were intensified in that regard to seek redress and ensure sanctions for the attackers.
The Nigeria Police Force unequivocally condemns any further assaults on Police Officers and other law enforcement personnel who selflessly dedicate themselves to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, reiterating the NPF’s dedication to upholding law and order, and urging our officers to remain resolute in the discharge of their lawful duties, undeterred by such cowardly acts. Similarly, individuals and groups peddling unnecessary and insensitive publications being circulated in the media space are urged not to make light of this loss to the NPF but to sympathize with the police in these sorrowful times.
The Inspector General of Police, while assuring police officers and men, as well as the public that no effort will be spared in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice as the killers have murdered sleep and will be tracked down to account for their reprehensible acts, calls upon well-meaning members of the public to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force by providing any pertinent information that may aid in the apprehension of the perpetrators.
Together, we will ensure that justice is served and peace and security prevail throughout the country ,he added.