POLICE AIG BLAST RIVERS CP, 3 OTHERS

The Assistant Inspector General of Zone 6, Tunde Ogunshakin, has lashed out at the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Dan Bature, for his failure to curb the rising crime in Rivers State.

Mr. Ogunshakin, during a briefing Thursday, said the Inspector General of Police was dissatisfied with the performance of Mr. Bature, and the police commissioners in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi States.

“Regrettably, there has been an increase in the rate of crime and this calls for immediate strategies to be specifically devised by all of you in your respective states with a view to finding lasting solutions,” said Mr. Ogunshakin, who had served as a police commissioner in Rivers State.

“From my observation, kidnapping and cultism are crimes that have been on the rise in the zone. Particularly, Rivers state command is becoming increasingly notorious for this.

“Also, some aides of the newly appointed Local Government Chairmen are being threatened with death and some of them have been killed. In this light, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State must act convincingly by way of showing special crime fighting abilities to overwhelm and put the situation under control.

“This situation has made the Inspector General of Police to make constant phone calls to me as he is not in any way impressed.”

Mr. Ogunshakin directed the police commissioners to intensify their ‘stop and search’ activities to recover arms, ammunition, explosives and other incriminating items stocked by the hoodlums during the electioneering period.

Mr. Ogunshakin called for increased raiding of black spots and criminal hideouts within the zone.

“This should be intensified and reports made to my office,” he said. “All the arms lost by our policemen before and during the electioneering period must be recovered forthwith.”

He also issued a wakeup call to divisional police officers and heads of formations.

“I am closely monitoring the performance of every DPO and Heads of Formations in your respective commands,” Mr. Ogunshakin said.

“No officer should allow his domain to be made a hide-out for criminals. They must be seen to dominate their jurisdictions and exude convincing crime prevention and detection skills. There may be need for me to carry out inter-state transfers within Zone 6 Command to change officers that are not performing up to my expectation.

Mr. Ogunshakin said that there is a zero tolerance for corruption within the police.

“I have an allergy for corruption and will therefore deal decisively with officers who indulge in corrupt practices. You must warn all your officers and men to eschew any sharp and corrupt acts that will drag the image of the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.

“My “X” Squad Team has commenced monitoring within the Zone and the names of all officers and men found wanting in their conduct is being compiled for appropriate disciplinary actions. I must emphasize that bail remains free for all cases.

“You must enjoin all officers and men under you to be professional in the performance of their Police duties. The members of the public that we serve must be treated courteously and not be brutalized.”