Police Assert Self, Gov. Sani Bello Tells The New IGP

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has said that the newly appointed  Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun Idris is coming on board at a critical time when the Police have to reassert itself as a vital institution in government’s efforts at restoring peace and security in the trouble spots across the country. 

The governor in a congratulatory statement issued in Minna yesterday said as peace gradually returns to many parts of the North East region following the resounding successes recorded by the military in the battle against insurgents, Nigerian Police should be prepared to build on these gains to finally restore peace, security and civil life in the affected areas.

The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace said, “in line with world’s best practices, with the breakthrough by our military in quelling the insurgent elements in the North East region, the onus is now on Police force to effectively and consciously ensure that it takes its Constitutional duty of maintaining internal peace and security of a nation.

“The new IGP should as a matter of priority re-position the Police to effectively provide efficient policing and a more proactive service to the people. The much talked about Community Policing should be given attention so that the force can effectively provide the much needed security.

“In this era of technology and professionalism, IGP should settle for nothing short of global best practices and leverage on the many successes our Policemen and women recorded in the recent past at peace keeping operations across the globe by ensuring regular training of both officers and men for the task ahead”.

The governor who said he has implicit confidence in the capability of the new Police boss, advised him to bring his wealth of professional  experience and international connection to bear in piloting the affairs of the force.

Governor Sani Bello then urged officer and men of the force to give maximum support to the new IGP. “The fact is, the new IGP cannot do it alone. No matter how brilliant he is. The success of the force will require team work and dedication of all stakeholders”

He advised the new IGP to also seek partners, synergy, collaboration with all stakeholders through inter-agency cooperation.

“As the lead agency in internal security operations, the new IGP would be expected to strengthen inter-agency cooperation with other security agencies and MDAs.”

The governor  who thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for finding one of the illustrious son of the state a worthy professional as the IGP, advised Idris to be  a good ambassador of the state.

“Your appointment as acting IGP is a challenge and call to duty. You must live up to those outstanding qualities that have distinguished you over the years. ”

The New IGP: Idris Kpotun, a scientist, educationalist and administrator is a Member of Institute of policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS; and has over 3 decades experience in command, staff and training appointments at home and abroad. Born in Bida on January 15, 1959, Idris was  a former Commissioner of Police in  Nasarawa  and  Kano States .

Kpotun Idris hails from Kutigi, Lavun local Government area of Niger State.

He attended the famous Ahmadu Bello University Zaria where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics, after which he proceeded to University of Maiduguri where he obtained an LLB degree. He enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as cadet ASP in 1984. Until his appointment he was Assistant inspector General (AIG) Operations at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

End.

Jibrin Baba Ndace

Chief Press Secretary