The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has assured the nation of the commitment of the Force to securing the public space and upholding the democratic values ahead of the Anambra State Gubernatorial Election taking place in November.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday night by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, a Commissioner of Police (CP).
According to the statement, the IGP gave the assurance, during a strategic meeting held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, with Commanders of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadrons in the country, as part of efforts to specifically contain the activities of criminal elements in the South-East and particularly guarantee a safe and secure environment for the elections.
It stated that the IGP further added that the leadership of the Force had commenced the reorganization, re-equipping, training and re-orientation of the PMF with the goal of strengthening its operational capacity and re-situating the unit to accomplish the task of confronting violent crimes in the country.
It further added that the IGP charged the Squadron Commanders to upscale their supervisory roles to ensure their personnel demonstrate a high level of professionalism, firmness, courage and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties.
According to it, the IGP noted that the Nigeria Police Force in the coming days would be implementing a robust national security action plan to refocus the internal security dynamics of the country in addition to securing the electoral processes in the Anambra State Gubernatorial election including the protection of personnel and materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and critical national infrastructure.
The IGP noted that the Police Mobile Force, would, as usual, form a critical component of the operational plan, to deter any subversive elements that could threaten or disrupt the smooth conduct of the election.
The IGP reiterated that the Force would continue to do all within its powers to combat all forms of criminality and violent crimes including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and violent extremism, amongst others, across the country.