From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba, has charged police personnel across the country to be on red alert ahead of the proposed strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), over the removal of fuel subsidy.
The IGP also charged police personnel to remain focused in the ongoing election tribunals in Abuja and develop proactive crime management mechanisms, to forestall any untoward acts from political and non-political actors.
The IGP, who gave the charge during his meeting with strategic police managers in Abuja, said police operations conducted across the country in the last five months led to the arrest of 3,619, suspected criminals, rescue of 316, kidnapped victims, recovery of 486, assorted firearms and 4,072, assorted calibers of live ammunition.
He also said 1,630 cases of terrorism, secessionism, kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and proliferation of firearms were recorded within the period.
The IGP, who said the meeting was aimed at assessing the internal security situation in the country and mandate of the police, said it would deliberate and disseminate some emerging strategic and policy-driven directives that would guide police operations towards policing the new Nigerian ideal under the new government.
Giving an update on police operations conducted between January-May, the IGP said “a total of 3,619 suspects were arrested for their participation in various crimes across the country, 316 victims of kidnapping were rescued during the same period, while 486 assorted firearms consisting of AK-47 rifles and locally fabricated automatic weapons were recovered.
Equally, 4,072 assorted calibers of live ammunition and other incriminating items linked to various major crimes were also recovered within the same period.
Regardless of the quantum of achievements recorded within the period under review and the successful democratic transitioning on May 29, the IGP said “there still remains prevailing and projected threats across the country, including the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal with the emerging threat of industrial strike action.
“Consequently, we shall not rest on our oars, rather we must redouble our efforts to maintain the needed peace and stability of our democracy. This is critically important as we also prepare for the nation’s Democracy Day (June 12). In so doing, I charge you all to remain focused while monitoring the election tribunals and the proposed industrial actions across the country.
He said: “You must develop