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Under fire, IGP Idris withdraws policemen attached to politicians, other VIPs

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The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has ordered for the withdrawal of all police offices attached to politicians and other Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide.

The directive is coming on the heels of President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent statement that he never knew that the IGP disobeyed his order for him to relocate to Benue State over wanton killings by herdsmen in the state.

The IGP, who some Nigerians had expected would be fired by President Buhari following his alleged disobedience, gave the withdrawal order on Monday on the argument of the current security challenges facing the nation.

Announcing the order in Abuja at a conference with senior officers, Idris explained that the directive also affected private businessmen, multi – national companies and other corporate organisations who currently enjoy special police protection.

He further said that a task force had been set up at the Force headquarters under the command of ACP Mohammed Dankwara to ensure compliance to the directive while state commissioners of police are to replicate same at their commands.

“In view of the current security challenges in the country, it has become expedient for the Nigeria Police Force to streamline the deployment of its personnel attached to political and public office holders, aimed at enhancing effective and efficient policing of the country.

“To this effect, a memo will be forwarded to the President for approval which will serve as a guideline or template for deployment to VIPs, political and public office holders in the country. Accordingly, a directive for withdrawal of all police officers deployed to VIPs, political and public office holders with immediate effect, is hereby given,” he said.

The IGP meanwhile said that businessmen, corporate organisations and individuals who required special police protection if “found worthy,” would be considered by the Special Protection Unit of the force should they apply for re-validation through the state Commissioners of Police where they are resident.

He added, “By so doing, I am charging the Commissioners of Police with the responsibility of supervising such official deployment and thereby holding them accountable.”

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The IGP at the meeting frowned at the rate police Supernumerary number plates are abused as well as the illegal use of siren and covering of vehicle number plates by motorists.

While he warned culprits to desist from such, he directed the holders of the police SPY number plates to return them to the Force Transport Officer and apply for re-validation.

According to him, state CPs should ensure they enforce the directive and arrest violators, adding that the list of task force teams that would ensure compliance to the order would be sent to the Deputy Inspector – General of Police, Operations, by March 31, 2018.

It would be recalled that the Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Isah Hamma Misau, had told the nation recently, that the IGP Idris allegedly makes N10 billion monthly from oil companies and other private individuals who enjoy special protection from the police.

 

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