Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI Osogbo, comprising Oyo, Osun and Ondo states, AIG Adeleye Oyebode, has promised that the zone will enshrine a culture of respect for the rule of law and civil liberties: “We are eager to meet the political leadership in each state, the traditional institution, professional bodies, labour organizations, students, market leaders and other stakeholders to rub minds on how best to ensure efficient policing of our communities.
“This is in line with the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu’s
vision and mission on professionalism and community policing. It will ensure
adequate protection of citizens. Police will work towards the core values of discipline, dialogue, valour and ethnic conduct among officers.
“We have moved against hooliganism and acts that could cause a breakdown of law and order. Record shows a drastic reduction in crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and murder. We determined to build upon these achievements.
“My challenges include inadequate operational vehicles, poor and inadequate barracks accommodation, insufficient funds and and lack of communication gadgets. The welfare of the officers and men of the zone shall be my priority. I salute the courage, gallantry and dedication of the officers and men in the zone. Despite the challenges, they put their lives on the line in the fight against crime to ensure security of life and property.
“We have plans to promote professionalism, partner with members of the various communities and other stakeholders and collaborate with sister security agencies, civil liberty organizations to earn the trust of the citizens. With this, the police will have a human face guided by principles of justice and fairness.
“The establishment of the Community Policing and Development section in the Nigeria Police has ensured proper implementation of strategies. The effective execution of these strategies would further improve the activities and operations of the police towards entrenching Community Policing concepts in our policing culture.
“The mission of the NPF is to partner with other relevant security agencies and the public in gathering, collating and sharing intelligence with the intention of ensuring the safety and security of citizens. It is aimed at addressing the root cause of crime while ensuring that criminal acts are investigated so as to bring criminals to justice.
“We are calling on the political class in Ondo, Osun and Oyo states to play by the rules. Gone were the days when this region was referred to as the ‘Wild, Wild, West.’ It should now be known as the ‘Wise, Wise West’.
“For the ongoing elections, the IGP has devised strategies and provided an enabling environment that will guarantee security of INEC officials, electorates and electoral materials. We have plan for effective deployment of officers and men. Each officer will be provided with aids memory on roles of the police in election monitoring and management.
“We are aware of the peace accord signed by the various political parties and actors. We enjoy them to abide by the spirit and the letters of the accord. The independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has developed a reliable template that has been tested.
“The police shall provide security for INEC officials in collaboration with other sister security agencies. We shall partner with civil society organizations, local and foreign election observers and others to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
“We will not allow the fundamental human rights of any citizen to be trampled upon. Police will not tolerate or allow any misguided individual or group to derail the elections. Our personnel have been specially trained for these elections.”