18th July, 2012
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Umaru Manko has embarked on a drive to transform and wipe out corruption in the police force in the state by redeploying officers at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
At least 400 police officers have been redeployed from SCID to other departments in order to accomplish his mission.
He also warned corrupt police officers to leave the force before they are dismissed and prosecuted.
Manko stated this Tuesday at Area ‘M’ Police Command, Idimu, Lagos, while on a visit to sensitise the officers about the development.
He said that the era of corruption, mounting of road blocks and collection of money for bail had gone and warned the officers to toe the new direction or quit the force.
He explained that the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, was committed to eradicating corruption and transforming the force for the benefit of the society.
While urging them to perform their duties with a high sense of responsibility, he said they should aslo treat the citizens with civility.
He noted that the directive of the IG on road blocks and bribe taking are still being flouted by some officers and warned that such officers will not only be dismissed but will also be prosecuted when caught.
Manko also explained that the redeployment of officers at SCID was to enable the police to sanitise the place so that the police will offer better services to the people in accordance with the transformation agenda of the IG.
He told the officers that the deployment will also affect those who have stayed longer than necessary in sections and departments in the force.
“We do not want a situation where an officer will be at a particular station or department for over seven years and thereby become a landlord in the place,” he remarked.
The commissioner commended the Area ‘M’ Commander, ACP Kaoje Ibrahim for his efforts in combating crime and maintaining peace in the area.
He promised to provide necessary tools that will enable police officers and men in the state perform their duties diligently.
The event attracted the residents, traditional rulers in the area and council officials who commended the area commander and Manko in their effort in combating crime in Lagos State.
—Cyriacus Izuekwe