2nd August, 2014
Nigeria’s new Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba resumed duties on Friday with promise to intensify the fight against crime and upgrade the standards of performance of the law enforcement agency nationally and internationally.
At a brief hand over ceremony attended by Mohammed Abubakar, his predecessor in office, Abba assured Nigerians of his administration’s readiness to place a high priority on the creation of a safe and secure environment for all citizens and to transform the Nigeria Police Force into “a leading national, professional and efficient law enforcement organization.”
The Acting IGP however said, he would not make any fundamental changes in the vision of his predecessor, but would de-emphasise personalisation of agenda and focus on the institutionalisation of goals, especially change in the attitudes with which policemen.
“We will come up with visions that are not personalised. The focus of my leadership is attitudinal change, because you cannot reform an institution if you do not reform the people,” Abba said.
“My experience teaches me that policing has changed, and is still changing. Policing is no more about arresting, investigating and prosecution only.
“The responsibility of the police in a democracy transcends these traditional roles, to expectations in ensuring a stable democracy conducive to good governance.
“The police under my watch will create an enabling environment for economic development and provide acceptable basic service delivery for the people of our country,” Abba stated.
Abba also acknowledged the upsurge in security challenges confronting the country and affirmed his commitment to high standards of performance to ensure the security of lives and property of the citizenry.
“In consonance with the President’s Transformation Agenda, I will develop and implement constructive policing strategies for the maintenance of a stable democracy and economic growth.
“I have gained valuable insight and experience to appreciate the challenges the police and the country are facing. It is based on these experiences that I intend to formulate a vision and strategy for leading the Force to its prime,” the new IGP added.
The new IGP also said he would ensure the that police resources are diligently managed and equitably distributed in line with these priorities and halt violent crimes. “We will continue to do community policing. We are not there yet, but we will ensure that we satisfy Nigerians,” he said.
The IGP thanked the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, for having confidence in him and granting him a golden opportunity to serve Nigeria as the IGP.
Abubakar, Abba’s successor, asked the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to cooperate with the new IGP whom he described as a very competent and committed officer that can take the Force to a greater height.
Until his appointment, Abba was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 comprising the FCT, Kaduna and Niger Police Commands, enlisted into the Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in December, 1984.
In the course of three decades of service to the nation and the Police Force, IGP Suleiman Abba has crisscrossed the entire length and breadth of the nation. He was Commissioner of Police Rivers State 2009 – 2012.
He was Commissioner of Police in Lagos State during the 2011 general elections and was the Deputy Force Secretary twice both as Commissioner of Police and as a Deputy Commissioner of Police. Other responsibilities he performed include: Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Kano State Command 2007 – 2008, Deputy Commissioner of Police Kebbi 2006 – 2007. He was also the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Head of State, (Office of the First Lady) 1995 – 1998 and the Commanding Officer of both 24 PMF (Presidential Escort) and 21 PMF Mobile Police Squadron Abuja. He has earned for himself several awards and commendations including the National Merit Award.