Covid 19: IGP speaks to Policemen nationwide, gives orders to AIGs, CPs
As Coronavirus crept into Nigeria, several measures have been put in place to avoid the spread of the virus. In recent development, after about several cases of Convid-19 were reported in Lagos and other parts of the country, Lagos State Government banned social and religious gathering of people in order to contain the spread of the virus.
In the same vein, Federal Government has announced that all institutions should be closed down for the moment and social restrictions orders are to be in place.
In line with this, the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, has enjoined citizens to adhere strictly to the orders of governments at all levels and to enforce this, the IGP has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police nationwide to ensure that all legitimate orders given in pursuant to the containment efforts are strictly enforced within their areas of jurisdiction.
In a press statement signed and sent to CRIMECHANNELS by Force Public Relations Officer Frank Mba (DCP) the IGP directed officers to avoid detention of criminals at the moment but make arrests of very important cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and non-bailable offences alone.
According to the statement these aforementioned offences alone should warrant detention. The IGP added that officers should ensure personal safety measures in order to avoid contracting the virus.
“The IGP enjoins citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimize official visits, except where absolutely necessary. furthermore he “has ordered Command CPs to immediately publicize 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 convey the order of the IGP in line with the Federal Government’s directive to close all tertiary institutions, this include Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.
