- To avoid possible breakdown of law and order
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba-Alkali, has tasked political parties and politicians on allowing the Nigerian Police to regulate their campaigns for the 2023 general elections to avoid any possible breakdown of law and order.
“I want to beg the politicians and political parties to give us the opportunity to regulate their processions, rallies, and campaigns so that they don’t have a clash”, the IGP said
IGP Baba-Alkali, who made the call while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, explained that the measure was to ensure all rallies and political meetings are held in an orderly manner and peaceful atmosphere ahead of the forthcoming elections.
According to him; “The Commissioner of Police is not saying you must apply for a permit before you campaign or rally but for him to know so that he can provide security for the venue of the campaign or to tell you if another party is also campaigning, for you to adjust to another date.
“It’s a matter of regulating for the benefit of all, to avoid things getting out of control”, the Police boss said and assured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety of individuals and security for the elections.
Also warning that the use of pseudo-security agents by any politician or party would not be tolerated, he reiterated the need for community policing for maximum results in containing criminals and their dreadful activities across the country.
The IGP also disclosed that the 10,000 policemen earlier recruited by the Force have been deployed to their various Local Governments Areas to enhance community policing, adding; “Right now we have another 10,000 recruits undergoing training that we hope to graduate before the election”.
On the role of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in line with community policing in Borno where they played a critical role in exposing insurgents in their communities to the authorities, IGP Baba-Alkali said; “The successes we achieved in fighting Boko-Haram couldn’t have been possible without injecting CJTF.
“The CJTF assisted greatly as they know who is who in the area and led security to flush them out. That is what we want to copy. Security is all about everybody playing his quota; what your next neighbour is doing must interest you.”
The IGP was in Borno State on a two-day working visit where he inaugurated some police projects in Beneshiek and Maiduguri, the State capital – With NAN reports
