Stop converting checkpoints, stop and search, patrols into avenues for extorting, fleecing of Nigerians — IGP warns Policemen

Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has charged officers, rank and file of the FCT Police Command not to convert security measures put in place to tackle criminal elements into money-making ventures or avenues for fleecing citizens.

Speaking during his official visit to the FCT Command, IGP Alkali Baba said, “Just like in other places, you can find all manner of criminals in the FCT, terrorists, Kidnappers, Cultists, Armed Robbers and other heinous crimes. That is why there are several preventive measures in place.

The IGP said, “To Area Commanders, DPOs and Sectional heads, you must ensure that Checkpoint, Stop & Search operations and patrols are not used to intimidate, extort or fleece members of the public.

He however charged offices and men to rise up to the security challenges confronting the federal capital city noting that though the Police in Abuja is doing a lot to ensure the security of lives and property, there is still room for improvement.

He urged senior officers of the Command to educate officers and men on what is contained in the new Electoral Act so that as 2023 approaches, officers will be abreast of what constitutes an offence in the Act.

He narrated challenges facing the Command to include inadequate manpower, inadequate barracks accommodation for officers and men and inadequate patrol vehicles, trackers, drones, APC’s, Tear Gas Smoke, arms and ammunition.