Metro
IGP Reassures on Excellent Service Delivery As NPF Gets More International Recognition
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has lauded recent commendations for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force in international peacekeeping efforts, according to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The United Nations, through its Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), recognized 140 officers and men of the Nigeria Police Contingent for their professionalism and outstanding performance in fostering peace and stability in Northern Mali. Similarly, the African Union presented Awards of Excellence and Professionalism to the Nigeria Formed Police Unit, comprising 160 officers and men deployed in Somalia, acknowledging their gallantry, professionalism, and dedication in countering Al-Shabaab terrorist elements.
The accolades extend beyond individual police officers deployed to UN missions in South Sudan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Somalia, among others. The Nigeria Police Force has consistently received awards commending the professionalism, dedication to duty, and exceptional performance of its officers, earning them a reputation as among the best in the field. Furthermore, Nigeria Police officers hold key positions at the Police Division of UN Headquarters and African Union Headquarters, where they continue to diligently execute their duties, garnering respect and admiration.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed confidence in the integrity, professionalism, and outstanding performance of NPF officers. Consequently, ECOWAS has requested the deployment of Nigeria Police officers and men to its missions in Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone. It is noteworthy that upon arrival in peacekeeping missions, NPF officers undergo competence-based interviews and selection processes aligned with international standards and best practices. Their consistent placement in strategic positions is proof of their competence and commitment to the missions’ success.
The Inspector General of Police expresses gratitude for these prestigious recognitions, which serve as a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and outstanding performance of Nigeria Police Officers in promoting global peace and security. The IGP further reassures that the police will consistently adopt modern standard operating procedures to accord quality service delivery, in all spheres, to Nigerians across the country.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has called for the dismissal of the soldier who resisted the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The soldier had blocked Wike and officials of the FCTA from accessing a portion of land in the FCT.
The officer, claiming he was acting on instructions, told Wike that he would not be allowed into the property. Wike, however, questioned his authority, leading to a heated confrontation and name calling.
Reacting on Facebook, Igbokwe questioned who was behind the military officer in challenging the FCT Minister.
He wrote, “Who is this man in uniform? Of what meat is he fed? Who is beating the drum for him? This is unacceptable? His uniform has to be removed.”
The Lagos State Police Command has vehemently denied reports making the rounds that it was involved in the attempted release of a Lebanese national, who is in custody for the defilement of eight children.
The Police made the rebuttal via a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Lagos, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
In the statement titled, RE: OUTRAGE AS LAGOS POLICE ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPT TO RELEASE LEBANESE ACCUSED OF DEFILING EIGHT CHILDREN, the Police noted as follows:
“The Lagos State Police Command is not involved in any alleged attempt to release a Lebanese accused of defiling eight children.“
The story is therefore inaccurate and misleading.
The above case is being handled discreetly by the Gender Unit of the Command with the highest level of professionalism, diligence, and in line with international best practices, by specially trained gender case specialists.
Furthermore, the investigation strictly follows the standard operating procedures for cases involving children and young persons. The Gender Unit of the Command remains firmly committed to child protection and upholding due process in the pursuit of justice, without fear, favour, or sentiment toward anyone involved, whether a foreign national or Nigerian.
The case in question, which is under thorough investigation, does not involve any Lebanese, but rather a national of one of the Southern African countries. Every necessary step has been taken to ensure that justice is served in the matter. It is important to inform the public that both the biological mother of the child and the child herself made statements to the Police affirming that the child was neither molested nor defiled by the accused person.
However, the complaint by the child’s father, who has custody of the child, on his allegations against the accused person, is being carefully investigated to ensure justice in the matter and prevent any miscarriage of justice. The outcome of the investigation will definitely be made public.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has directed a discreet investigation into the allegations highlighted by the reporter in the report to ensure that no stone is left unturned in getting to the root of the matter . The writer of the story has also been contacted and briefed on the steps being taken by the Police to ensure that justice is achieved.
The Commissioner of Police furthermore wishes to reiterate his full confidence in the impartiality, competence, and high level of professionalism in the Officer-in-Charge of the Gender Unit, Lagos Police Command,Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Toyin Kazeem, who was officially out of the country on IACP in the United States when the matter was reported to the Gender Unit. Her exemplary track record, both locally and internationally, exemplifies her integrity, dedication, and commitment to handling gender-related and other sensitive cases. Under her leadership, the Gender Unit has brought pride to the Command and provided justice to numerous vulnerable persons, including women and children.
The Lagos State Police Command therefore urges the public and the media to continue to repose trust and confidence in the ability of the Command to deliver justice in all cases, particularly those involving children and other vulnerable groups. The outcome of this case will be made known to the public on completion of the investigation.
The family of former President Shehu Shagari has announced the death of his last surviving widow, Hajiya Saratu Shehu Shagari.
She passed away on Monday at the age of 89, after a prolonged illness.
A statement signed by the eldest son of the former president, Captain Mohammed Bala Shagari, confirmed that Saratu died at about 3 pm.
He described the late Hajiya Saratu as an embodiment of grace, humility, and quiet strength, who lived a life of dignity and service.
The family also said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
