COVID-19: IGP tells zonal AIGs, CPs to enforce social restriction orders, shuts down Police Academy, others

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, Sunday, directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police nationwide to ensure that all legitimate orders given in pursuant to the containment of COVID-19 are strictly enforced within their areas of jurisdiction.

He also ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as Police primary and secondary schools nationwide.

DAILY POST gathered that the IGP directive was against the backdrop of the COVID-19 global health threat and the subsequent social restriction orders imposed by governments at all levels.

Adamu, however, enjoined citizens to voluntarily adhere to the orders.

FPRO, Frank Mba, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

Part of the statement reads, “The IGP while urging officers to observe personal safety measures, further directs the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and dete.

He reiterates that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention.

“The IGP further directs that adequate measures be emplaced to screen persons to be committed into police custody.

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“The IGP enjoins citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimize official visits, except where absolutely necessary.

“Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered Command CPs to immediately publicize phone numbers of their Command Control Rooms, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other Tactical Commanders using the conventional and non- conventional media in order to facilitate alternative interacting and reporting options between the Public and the Police.

Also, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shut, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.

“Meanwhile, the Force Medical Services has been empowered and directed to step up sensitization programmes across Commands, Formations and Barracks in the country.”

Source: Daily Post