Molly Kilete, Abuja

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has assured that the 2019 general elections would be peaceful and violence-free.

This was even as the IGP, says over 4,000 prohibited firearms have been recovered in various parts or the country during its raid conducted to recover prohibited arms in possession of persons who are not supposed to have them.

IGP Idris made this known during his meeting with commissioners of police and above held at the police force headquarters, in Abuja.

He equally called on police officers to rededicate themselves to duty to the service to their fatherland especially at this period when the elections are approaching.

The police boss, while noting that the police have a critical roles to play by ensuring the provision of adequate security for hitch-free elections, restated the commitment of the police to live up to its expectations of providing adequate security for Nigerians by enforcing the country’s laws.

He said that with the successful recovery of illegal weapons across the country the elections would be peaceful.

Said he, “I believe and I can feel it in my heart that election next year is going to be peaceful.

“I believe with this mop up, the level of banditry and violence will likely reduced to the barest minimum.

“Let me appreciate all the DIGs and the commissioners of police in all the commands in this respect.

“I want all of us to appreciate that in some few times, we are going to have a major election in this country and as police officers we have a responsibility to provide a free and fair election with maximum security in this country.

“Like I always say every police officer should consider it a duty starting from this month to begin enforcement of all laws especially during the period of this election.

“Let me thank all of you for giving the best in policing of this great nation.

On the mop-up of illegal arms in the country, IGP Idris commended all Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIGs) and commissioners of police of commands for the roles they played.

IGP Idris also used the occasion to decorate some senior officers who were among the 4,959 officers of the recently promoted by the service.

The promotion which was carried out by the Police Service Commission (PSC) has eight Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) promoted to Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), 32 Commissioners of Police elevated to Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), 65 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted as Commissioners of Police.

180 Assistant Commissioners of Police, were promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police  while with 264 Chief Superintendent of Police, were Assistant Commissioners of Police.

The recent promotion equally saw a total number of 95,570 personnel in the rank and file cadre promoted to various ranks.