The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has directed the immediate withdrawal of policemen attached to private individuals and companies across the country.
The Head of Police Public Complaint Response Unit, ACP Abayomi Shogunle disclosed this in a post on his verified Twitter handle on Monday afternoon.
See tweet:
#IGPIdris @PoliceNG has directed immediate-
Withdrawal of police officers attached to all individuals & private companies in 🇳🇬,
Return of all Police SPY No. Plates to Force Transport Officer,
Setting up of Task Force to check covering of car plate Nos. & Illegal use of siren.
— Abayomi Shogunle (@YomiShogunle) March 19, 2018
The police boss gave the order on Monday, citing the various security challenges facing the nation.
Speaking at a conference with senior officers of the force in Abuja on Monday, Idris disclosed that the categories of people affected included: Very Important Persons, including political and public office holders nationwide, private businessmen, multi-national companies and other corporate organizations who are enjoying special police protection.
Idris said that a taskforce had been set up to implement the directive at the Force Headquarters and would be led by Mohammed Dankwara, an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
He ordered all State Commissioners of Police to replicate same at their various state commands.
Idris said, “In view of the current security challenges in the country, it has become expedient for the Nigeria Police Force to streamline the deployment of its personnel attached to political and public office holders, aimed at enhancing effective and efficient policing of the country.
“To this effect, a memo will be forwarded to the President for approval which will serve as a guideline or template for deployment to VIPs, political and public office holders in the country. Accordingly, a directive for withdrawal of all police officers deployed to VIPs, political and public office holders with immediate effect, is hereby given.”
The IG said that the order did not mean that anyone desirous of special police protection could not be given if they are “found worthy”.
He said such persons should apply for re-validation through the State Commissioners of Police in the state where they are resident and their request would be considered by the Special Protection Unit of the force.
Idris lamented the abuse that police Supernumerary number plates had been subjected to and the illegal use of siren and covering of vehicle number plates by motorists, warning motorists to desist from the act or face the music.