IGP to officers: Embrace modern policing techniques… always protect human rights

Usman Baba, inspector-general of police (IGP) has charged officers to commit themselves to ensuring the protection of human rights while carrying out their duties.

He stated this when he visited the Kano police command on Wednesday.

Baba also encouraged the officers to have a change of attitude to work and ensure that they are on their best behaviour at all times.

“I know you have some challenges, but don’t allow the challenges to bring you down. There must be challenges. Challenges are welcome, but they are surmountable,” he said.

“Let us commit ourselves to policing job. Let us act professionally. Let us change our attitude towards work so that we will achieve what we want.

“Officers and men should make sacrifices. Improve yourself. Attend courses and lectures. I have directed DPOs to embark on constant lecturing, training and re-training of officers. Keep yourself abreast of modern policing techniques; engage in democracy policing, and always ensure the protection of human rights.”

Baba also paid a visit to Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, and commended the state government for its efforts on improved security.

“I have already seen that Kano state is going into e-policing, and this is very commendable. Your excellency, I am here to say thank you very much. The people of Kano should be proud of you,” he said.

“Your community policing strategy has added value to the discharge of our responsibilities. It has also added 744 personnel to our manpower in the state. “Here in Kano, I have seen community policing and community participation in action. I have also seen the government in action.”

On his part, Ganduje congratulated the IGP for his efforts so far to tackle insecurity.

“Since you assumed duty, we have seen new strategies in tackling security situation. We have also seen new zeal. As I have been saying, we have full cooperation, full synergy involving the police, DSS, army, civil defence, customs, NDLEA, air force, KAROTA, and other security agencies,” the governor said.

“We have expanded security formations in the area of sharing ideas and intelligence among security agencies. We have five levels of community policing which are all working together to yield desired results. We have the village committee, the ward committee, the local government committee, the zonal committee and the state committee.

“Since crime in Nigeria has gone to the next level, our strategies in fighting crime has also gone to the next level. We have the optic fibre; we have the tracker vehicle. We also built security dormitories at all entry points in Kano. We have the joint taskforce working 24 hours.”

In his welcome address, Sama’ila Dikko, Kano commissioner of police, listed areas in which the state command, had recorded achievements.

According to him, the command has made significant contribution to promoting peace in Kano, adding that over 500 suspects have been arrested, while rifles, vehicles, illicit drugs valued at over N30 million, among other items have been recovered.