- Warns against indiscipline, roadblocks
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – In what has obviously become a routine in their public service delivery, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has again announced the immediate suspension of tinted vehicle windscreens usage in the country.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba made the serial announcement on Monday during a meeting with senior police officers that had in attendance Police Commissioners, Assistant Inspector-Generals (AIGs) and Deputy Inspector-Generals (DIGs) from across the states and various formations.
Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree No 6 of 1991, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, was promulgated during General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s regime as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
However, enforcement of the law has been quite challenging over the years with the Police going back and forth in its implementation. It remained to be seen how far the Force will be able to go with the latest announcement.
But announcing the tainted screen prohibition on Monday, IGP Bala charged heads of Commands to ensure the decision is effectively enforced, even as he also warned that roadblocks remain banned across the country.
He urged the officers to fully key into the Force’s current road patrol strategy as an alternative to roadblocks that have been grossly abused by some security operatives within the system.
On the arrest of some high-profile criminals in the country, IGP Bala said among the suspects in police custody are members of IPOB, kidnappers, and bandits who have confessed to committing some of the most heinous crimes recorded nationwide in recent times.
According to the Police Chief, Senior police officers must ensure discipline in their respective commands to ensure the personnel are alive to their constitutional responsibilities of securing lives and property of all citizens.
Monday’s meeting is the first of such presided by Bala after his confirmation as IGP by the Police Council last week.
He was confirmed almost two months after he being appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to replace Mohammed Adamu who enjoyed an extended three months tenure after reaching the official retirement age in February 2021.
