IGP orders officers to be ruthless in dealing with gunmen in Anambra

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered Police Mobile Force commanders to deal ruthlessly with political thugs and gunmen who may work against a transparent and credible governorship election in Anambra State.

Baba also read the riot act to squadron commanders, vowing to deal decisively with any commander that lacked command capacity or failed to key into the reform agenda of his administration.

Speaking at a meeting with Police Mobile Force Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Wednesday, the IG said the election security action plan would revolve around the police mobile units.

Addressing the men, he stated, “You must remain apolitical while being ruthless with violent elements and ill-guided political thugs that may wish to test our common will to deliver a transparent and credible electoral outcome.”

The IG also vowed to deal decisively with errant commanders following reports of unprofessional conduct and illegal deployment of personnel.

“Much as I am determined to motivate you to advance your mandate as the striking arm of the force, let none of you be in doubt about my resolve to deal decisively with any squadron commander that lacks command capacity as well as those who are unwilling to key into our mission of reforming the PMF and repositioning the force,” he said.

“Discipline, professionalism and operational excellence are the bedrocks of the PMF. Any personnnel that is deficient in any of these has no justification to remain within PMF system as they are not only a danger to the force but to the nation.”

“Accordingly, we shall not spare any PMF operative that continues to conduct himself or herself in manners that are not edifying to the Nigeria Police Force.

“Consequently, the AIG PMF has been directed to put machinery in motion to identify and rationalise such incorrigible elements out of the PMF,” he stated.