The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has advised the public to report police officers who engage in unprofessional conduct and illicit activities in the name of any superior officer.
Egbetokun’s charge is contained in a statement released on Saturday by the the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The inspector general said this measure to curb professional misconduct and abuses by police officers has become necessary because despite repeated warnings and disciplinary actions against offending officers, many police officers have persisted in such unprofessional acts.
These actions by a few misguided and unrepentant police officers, Egbetokun said have not only brought ridicule to the police but also eroded public trust in the police as an institution.
“Even more alarming is the fraudulent use of the name and office of the inspector-general of police to perpetrate these illegal acts.
“The intention behind this tactic is to intimidate victims into believing that the inspector general is aware, and approves of their illegal activities. As a result, victims are often deterred from reporting these incidents to higher authorities,” the statement said.
It advised the public to report any misconduct by police officers to their superiors, the heads of the complaint response units in their states or the commissioner of police in the state.
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Also, the inspector general warned the public to exercise caution when approached by police officers or individuals claiming connections with him or his office or any senior police officer for the purpose of influence or favour.
“All such unscrupulous activities should be reported to to the Nigeria Police Force via: DCP Akin Fakorede, Head, IGP Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja – 08184077076; ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja – 08037168147; CSP Taiwo Oyewale, Head, IGP Special Investigation Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja – 08069318238; SP Sherriff Lawal, ADC (Aide-de-Camp) to the IGP – 08094712605.
“The Nigeria Police Force assures all Nigerians of its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
“We encourage the public to collaborate with us by reporting any suspicious activities to ensure that justice and fairness prevail at all times,” the statement added.
