22nd September, 2017
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has warned new police constables against acts capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
Idris gave the warning on Friday at the passing out of 854 constables from the Police College in Oji River, Enugu State.
NAN reports that Idris was represented by the Deputy Inspector -General of Police (DIG) in-charge of Research and Planning, Mr Valentine Ntomchukwu.
The police boss said that the police authorities would bring the full weight of the police service law on any erring police personnel.
Idris said that the constables must discharge their duties in total obedience to the rule of law; while ensuring that human rights of any member of the public would be respected.
“You must put in your best to ensure that you discharge your duties faithfully as the expectations of the public from you are high.
“The police cannot afford to disappoint the public by allowing crime and criminality to thrive.
“You will be confronted with a lot of challenges, some friendly and others hostile.
“You may be faced with a situation where you are requested to bend the rules for either financial or material benefits.
“No matter what the promises are, you should not succumb to such demands,“he said.
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The police boss commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving and facilitating the recruitment and training of 10,000 police personnel in 2016.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to recruit additional 31,000 policemen in the next five years to meet the basic one policeman to 400 residents ratio recommended by the United Nations.
Earlier, the Commandant of the college, Mr Anthony Ogboji, said that the college had prepared the constables for the herculean task ahead as well as equipping them with all knowledge on policing law and the constitution.
“Here are crops of professionally trained and groomed constables, endowed with youthful zeal and energy to serve our dear nation at the pressing time when their service is greatly needed,’’he said.
Ogboji commended Idris, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State for their continuous support to the college.
One of the new constables, Mr Obed Onyeagoro, thanked the college for grooming as well as guiding them aright with love and patient during their training at the college.
NAN reports reports that four of the recruits were discharged in the course of the nine months training due to indiscipline; while two are retarded to stay back at the college for three months to serve various punishments.
NAN also reports that five recruits were presented with gifts for their outstanding performance during the training exercise.