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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has unveiled a
new Operational Guidelines for the Police and other Law Enforcement
Agencies on COVID-19 prevention enforcement duties, today, 8th June 2020
at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to a statement signed by Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, “This
is part of measures to foster a more harmonious relationship between the
Police and members of the public, deepen respect for the rights of
citizens, provide a new set of policing tools for tackling emerging
crimes such as domestic violence, rape, child molestation and other
incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“The IGP notes with concern, increase in reported cases of domestic
violence, rape, defilement, cybercrimes etc linked with the COVID-19
restrictions. These unfortunate incidents have prompted the introduction
of this Operational guideline which will help to adequately coordinate
and reshape the conduct of personnel of the Force and other law
enforcement agencies on the frontline of operations in the enforcement
of the COVID-19 prevention orders. It will also serve as a standard code
of conduct for Police officers in similar operations in the future.
“Consequently, the IGP has also ordered the strengthening of the
Gender-Desk Units and the Juvenile Welfare Centres (JWCs) across the
country and the deployment of investigative assets to deal with gender
related offences. In addition, the Cybercrime Unit of the Force has also
been strengthened to deal with cybercrimes connected with the COVID-19
pandemic.
“Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners
of Police in Zonal and State Commands as well as Heads of Police
Departments/Formations have been directed by the IGP to make the
Guidelines subject of departmental briefings and lectures. The
Operational Guidelines will also serve as a training manual in all
Police training institutions.
“The IGP has equally charged the Force Provost Department, the X-Squad,
the Force Public Relations Department, the Complaint Response Unit and
the Public Complaint Bureau to carry out their oversight roles of
adequate evaluation and monitoring of officers to ensure compliance with
the Guidelines and bring erring personnel to book. He also enjoins
citizens to cooperate with the Police and other Law Enforcement Officers
(LEOs) as all hands are on deck to curtail and contain the virus in the
country.
“The IGP has expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Director,
CLEEN Foundation and the representative of the British High Commission
for their contributions and presence during the unveiling of the
Operational Guidelines. He also commends all other corporate
organizations that supported the Police in the publication of the
booklet.