Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Command Commissioners of Police nationwide to ensure that all legitimate orders given in pursuant to the containment efforts against Coronavirus are strictly enforced within their areas of jurisdictions.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, the directive is against the backdrop of the Coronavirus global health threat and the subsequent social restriction orders imposed by governments at all levels, to enable the containment of the pandemic in the country.
While urging officers to observe personal safety measures, the IGP further directs the Zonal Assistant Inspectors General and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned.
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Adamu reiterates that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention.
In the same vein, the IGP further directs that adequate measures be emplaced to screen persons to be committed into police custody.
The Police Chief also enjoined citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimise official visits, except where absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered Command Commissioners of Police to immediately publicise phone numbers of their Command Control Rooms, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs and other Tactical Commanders using the conventional and non-conventional media in order to facilitate alternative interacting and reporting options between the public and the police
The statement also stated that, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shutdown, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.
