Yagana Ali, Adamawa

The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has emphasized that promotions within the Force will now be solely based on merit. There will no longer be special promotions without hard work and dedication to duty.

He made this statement on Friday while addressing officers of the Kano State Police Command during his visit to inspect the command’s building that was previously damaged by fire.

He said, “From now on, promotions in the police will be merit-based. There will be no more special promotions, and if you seek special promotion, you must earn it.

The Police IG also mentioned that the Central Investigation Department (CID) of the force at the national level will be reorganized. Only competent and qualified individuals will be appointed to function within the department. This restructuring will also be implemented in the various state commands.

According to him, “Moving forward, only officers capable of inspiring public confidence will be entrusted with sensitive duty posts, such as Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, and DPOs. Those who cannot inspire public confidence will not be deemed suitable for such positions. We prioritize competence, honesty, and integrity. This is the only way we can inspire public trust. We seek the support of the public. It is inappropriate to ask for support when we ourselves do not exhibit transparency, competence, and capability. Only when we fulfill these requirements can we expect public support.”

He urged officers to avoid extortion and other corrupt activities in their duty posts. He encouraged them to perform their duties well to enhance their public image and receive positive feedback from the public.

“I often remind my officers that the police job is a noble profession, one of the best in the world. When you excel in your job, you receive blessings and prayers. Similarly, if you engage in unethical behavior, you will face the opposite consequences. It is up to each police officer to decide what they want. If you seek blessings and prayers, you will receive them in this job. And if you choose otherwise, you will experience the opposite. Therefore, be mindful of your choices.”

“I always tell people that God cares for the police and is always looking to bless them. By engaging in corruption, you are sending a message to God that you can provide for yourself, and in turn, God may not favor you.”

“But if you perform your job with a sense of duty and integrity, God will single you out for blessings. If you desire personal blessings, you must strive for them. I would rather choose blessings from God.”

“Modern policing is community-focused, intelligence-driven, and technology-enabled. We must demonstrate commitment, capacity, integrity, and a sense of trustworthiness to the public. As the lead agency in internal security, we must show this commitment and professionalism. We need to enhance our relationship with the public, eliminate corruption and extortion from our system. These practices are not beneficial for us.”

The Police IG also praised the Commissioner’s performance and encouraged him to continue efforts towards making Kano a crime-free state. He also mentioned that funds have been approved for the completion of the Command’s structure that was damaged by a fire outbreak.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, mentioned in his welcome address that, since assuming office, the command has successfully arrested over 1000 suspects who are currently under investigation and awaiting trial.

He assured that they will not stop their efforts in preventing crime and ensuring the safety of Kano State. “Moving forward, over a thousand (1000+) suspects were investigated, with most of them currently behind bars awaiting trial for offenses ranging from armed robbery, culpable homicide, thuggery, possession of deadly weapons, drug trafficking, sales, and consumption of suspected Indian hemp and similar substances.”

“Furthermore, in alignment with the vision and directives of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, the police command is implementing effective policing strategies to tackle all forms of insecurity. These approaches include both kinetic and non-kinetic methods such as collaborative policing. Identified individuals responsible for escalating thuggery activities and violent crimes in the state are being invited for dialogue.”

“As a result of these initiatives, a total of one hundred (100) repentant violent criminals and notorious thugs (Yan Daba) have surrendered themselves, along with their weapons, to the Police Command. Currently, they are cooperating with the Police to promote sustainable peace, economic growth, and development in the state,” Gumel said.