As the nation grapples with security challenges, the Federal Government has charged the Nigerian Police Force to up its game.
Part of what the government wants is for the police authorities to take the fight to the doorsteps of the enemy by seeking out their hideouts, disrupting their operations, and dismantling their networks.
Specifically, the current administration wants the police, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to adopt a new strategy against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminals that wreak havoc across the country.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, gave the charge on Friday to men of the Nigerian Police during his visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Accompanied by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the minister maintained that all enemies of peace in the country should no longer be given the opportunity to strike first.
“In our fight against these enemies of peace, we must embrace a new strategy, a strategy of aggression. We must no longer wait for the enemy to strike. We must take the fight to their very doorstep,” he said.
“We must seat out their hideouts and stop their operations and dismantle their networks. Being on the defensive has only emboldened our enemies and allowed them to be stronger. It is time for us to change the narrative to shape the balance of power in our table.”
Speaking, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, wants the police chief to ensure the effective implementation of the safe school environment policy.
“We are working day and night with the speed of light to ensure that they get what is due to them so that they can be able to do more for the country,” she said.
“Once we get policing right, then we have solved over 50 per cent of the problems in this country.”
The Insurgency Battle Will Be Won
On his part, the IGP expressed optimism that the battle against insurgency and other criminal activities in the country will be won.
He also pledged that the police, under his leadership, will continue to partner with the ministry in the discharge of its core mandate.
“The ministry and the police have had a very robust relationship in the past. I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that we are committed to this robust relationship.
“We will continue to partner with your ministry and ensure that the good of democracy is delivered to members of the public,” Egbetokun said.
