Acting IGP disbands Monitoring Units in Lagos, Port Harcourt

Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba has ordered the immediate disbandment of the IGP Monitoring Units in Lagos and Port Harcourt.

Baba gave the order in Abuja at the opening of a conference of Police Strategic Commanders, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP) and above.

He also ordered the streamlining of the personnel profile of the IGP Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters to not more than 50 operatives.

Baba announced the banning of the unit from undertaking criminal investigations, including taking over of cases from Police Commands in states.

According to him, under the current dispensation, the unit will only operate within their original mandate, to investigate complaints of alleged professional infractions against serving officers.

Baba said the directives were in furtherance to the reorganisation plans of the force and its commitment to return to the basics in policing.

He said the repositioning initiatives were being worked out in relation to other ad-hoc investigative units in the force.

The police boss said the idea was to restore professionalism, address citizens’ concerns on rights abuses resulting from the existence and operations of the ad-hoc investigation units.

Baba said it was also to discourage duplication of police functions that encouraged indiscipline and abuse of police processes.

He said the conference was convened for him to interact with the officers and define his mission statement and vision.

The Acting IGP said it was also to assess the current internal security situation across the country, review strategies and emplace sets of strategic actions to restore order and public confidence.

His words: “I must reemphasise that the major task ahead of us is to address secession  threats, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and sundry violent crimes in the shortest possible time.

“I appreciate the sacrifices that most of you have been making and the successes you have recorded in the war against criminality and secessionist agenda.

“I also acknowledge the challenges associated with your duties but the reality is that more grounds need to be covered if we are to restore public confidence.”