The National Association of Izalatul Bidia Waikamatul Sunna has advised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to liaise with religious and traditional leaders to ensure credible recruitment of officers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau, the National Chairman of the association, gave the advice during a courtesy call on the IGP on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bala-Lau said such collaboration would assist the police in recruiting credible young people with the fear of God and imbued with good moral upbringing in the police.
He commended the IGP for his commitment in reducing crime in the country, especially on the nation’s highways, adding that the highways were now safe for travellers.
He lauded the IGP’s efforts in bringing down the menace of armed robbery and kidnapping and called on the people to continue to support the Police in the task of safeguarding lives and property.
He also commended the police boss for boldly reducing crime and criminality in the country.
“We wish to commend the Nigeria Police Force under your watch for your dedication, commitment and complementary role to the presidency in the fight against electoral fraud, insurgency, kidnapping, terrorism and cattle rustling.
“We are aware that the maintenance of peace and orderliness is never an easy task in any society worldwide.
“It is our fervent prayers that Almighty Allah will give you sound health, wisdom and knowledge to ensure that law abiding Nigerians go about their businesses peacefully,’’ he said.
The president further commended President Muhammadu Buhari for reposing confidence on the IGP and enjoined him to do more in tackling the menace of robbery, kidnapping and cattle rustling among other vices.
He advised the IGP to remain focused in the task of providing security of lives and property of all Nigerians.
The associations’ helmsman advised the police boss to ensure the improvement of officers’ well-being as an incentive for higher productivity.
Responding, IGP Idris commended the president and his entourage for the visit and assured of his commitment to the protection of lives and property.
Idris also promised to liaise with both religious and traditional institutions in the country during police recruitment, to ensure the enlistment of credible persons in the Force.
He assured that he would live above board as well as ensure adequate protection of lives of properties of Nigerians.
The police boss also promised to give priority to community policing, with the view to providing adequate security to Nigerians. (NAN)