COVID-19: IGP Orders Enforcement Of Social Restriction
The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of police nationwide to ensure that all legitimate orders given for the containment of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), are strictly enforced within their areas of jurisdiction.
Adamu gave the directive against the backdrop of the COVID-19 global health threat and the subsequent social restriction orders imposed by governments at all levels, to enable its containment.
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A statement issued on Sunday by the Force Spokesman, Frank Mba, said the IGP, while enjoining citizens to voluntarily adhere to the orders, also called on officers to observe personal safety measures.
The police boss, the statement said further directed the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned.
“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 statement read briefly.
“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,” the statement concluded.
