Joseph Mbu
The Inspector-General of Police,
Suleiman Abba, has cautioned police personnel against misuse of firearms
during the forthcoming elections in the country.
Abba stated that arms would be used only
in extreme circumstances, stressing that all police officers must
protect the rights of citizens at all times.
Apparently refuting a statement credited
to AIG Joseph Mbu, who said “If one of my men is killed, I shall kill
20 of them but don’t shoot first,” the police boss reassured the public
that “the Nigeria Police has a mandate to save and protect lives, and
not to kill, contrary to recent statements in the media.”
The IG said this during a meeting with
senior policemen at the Force headquarters, Abuja, according to a
statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, on
Saturday.
“IG Suleiman Abba, advised all officers
of the imperative necessity to apply caution in the use of firearms,
warning that except in extreme circumstances, arms shall not be used
during the forthcoming elections,” the statement read.
While admitting that there were
circumstances under which an officer might be provoked in the course of
duty, the IG stressed that the attributes of a police officer as
contained in the Police Regulations, required him to exercise “tact,
patience and tolerance and the control of his temper in trying
situations.”
He observed that the rule of law is the
underpinning tenet of democracy, which he noted would guide police
officers in the discharge of their roles during the polls.
Abba restated his commitment to
observance of the rule of law and the respect of the fundamental rights
of citizens and residents alike by all police officers.
He cautioned officers to avoid excesses,
pointing out the dire consequences of abuse of human rights as
contained in the recently released Human Rights Practice Manual.
He also restated the preparedness of the Force to provide the requisite security before, during and after the elections.
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