The acting inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba has promised to use his tenure to provide the highest possible level of professional and responsive policing system
This he said will enable the police to give Nigerians safety, treat them with civility and hold their human rights sacred.
Speaking in his remarks during the handing over ceremony at the Force headquarters Abuja, he challenged the citizens to change their mind sets and be prepared to work with the police in the interest of community safety and national security.
“I am mindful of the yearnings of Nigerians for a policing system that will not only assure them of their safety, but treat them with civility and hold their human rights sacred.
“I am fully conscious of the task ahead and His Excellency’s expectations. By the Grace of Almighty Allah (SWT), I shall not let the nation down.
“To the Police officers, I call on you to continue to support me with prayers so that this journey we are commencing together today shall lead us to the desired destination.
“Being appointed to head the largest Police Force in Africa both in terms of personnel profile and operational jurisdiction is to me, more than a fulfilment of destiny.
“It is a call to national duty, particularly, at this critical time that our nation is experiencing increasingly complex and pervasive security threats occasioned by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, secessionist agitation and sundry highly organized crimes.”
He said though the challenge of leading the Force to address the threats in the shortest possible time frame, restore security order, and return the nation to the path of national unity appear daunting it is achievable.
According to him, inspired by the extensive years of service, I can confidently say that the Nigeria Police is endowed with some of the finest, courageous and patriotic officers who, undoubtedly, shall support me to advance the internal security vision of the President.”
Baba said, he is encouraged by the fact that the outgoing Inspector General of Police has laid a solid foundation and entrenched a culture of professional efficiency in the Force.
“These will stimulate me in my capacity as the new Acting Inspector General of Police, to strengthen our strategies and provide the requisite leadership that will change the narratives in relation to our operational approach to the current security threats.
“The task of restoring the primacy of the Nigeria Police in the internal security architecture of the country is the main challenge ahead of us.
“It is, however, a task that I am convinced we can surmount if we resolve as a people to partner and present a common front against the subversive and criminal elements who are the common enemies of our nation.”
“As IGP Adamu exits the Force, I call on you all to join me in celebrating one of the greatest policing icons of our time and to put on record our immense appreciation of his laudable contributions to the Nigeria Police Force.”
