Abubakar restates commitment to police reform

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has restated his commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force and returning it to a path of professionalism in line with international best practices and the transformation policy of the Federal Government.
This position was contained in a circular issued on August 21, 2013 from the Force Headquarters, Abuja and addressed to all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Command Commissioners of Police, Heads of Departments and Formations.
Abubakar expressed his resolve to rid the Force of all forms of corruption and warned officers and men to desist from corrupt practices in line with the Code of Conduct and Professional Standards for members of the Force.
He charged the X-Squad, an internal Police Department that monitors the enforcement of discipline within the Force, to step-up the monitoring of police personnel to stem corrupt practices within the Force.
The IGP further urged officers and men of the Force to be mindful of the constitutional rights of the citizenry, while performing their statutory duties, warning against excessive use of force and unjustifiable application of lethal weapons contrary to standing rules of engagement, as the Force will not hesitate to punish indicted defaulters.
In a similar vein, the IGP has reminded Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs that the ban on road blocks subsists and should therefore ensure that it is strictly enforced.
While reiterating his resolve to punish all wrong doings, Abubakar equally promised to do all within his power to uplift the welfare and working conditions of the personnel of the Force and to reward and encourage excellent and extra-ordinary feats by members of the Force.
In addition, Abubakar, on behalf of the Police High Command, commended the general public for their understanding, cooperation and support for the Force in the face of the current security challenges.
He reminded members of the public that they are key actors in the task of policing Nigeria and should continue to actively collaborate with the Force in exposing societal ills, including ills within the Force.
He assured Nigerians that the Force will continue to do all within available resources to serve the public better.