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…Warns against unnecessary arrests, detention
Following the rampaging spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) across the world and the increasing number of confirmed cases in Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police nationwide to enforce social restriction orders imposed by governments at all levels.
He also mandated them to ensure that all legitimate orders given in pursuant to the containment efforts are strictly enforced within their areas of jurisdiction.
The IGP, while urging officers to observe personal safety measures, further directed the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned. He reiterates that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention. The IGP further directs that adequate measures should be in place to screen persons to be committed into police custody.
The Police chief enjoined citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimize official visits, except where absolutely necessary.
Consequently, he has ordered Command CPs to immediately publicize phone numbers of their Command Control Rooms, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other Tactical Commanders using the conventional and non- conventional media in order to facilitate alternative interacting and reporting options between the Public and the Police
In compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shut, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Force Medical Services has been empowered and directed to step up sensitization programmes across Commands, Formations and Barracks in the country.
