New STF Commander sues for peace in Plateau

DIG warns police officers against corrupt practices

NEWLY POSTED Commander of the Special Task Force (STF), Major-General Tabugbo Ude who took over as the 8th Special Task Force Commander (Operation Safe Haven) following the recent redeployment of senior military officers by the Nigeria Army has assured he was in the state to make sure there is peace and nothing short of it.

General Ude takes over from Major-General David Enetie who assumed office as the 7th STF Commander on the 9th of September 2013.

Ude while, addressing the troops on assumption of duty said, “We are here to make sure there is peace and nothing short of it. I am not an office person. I am a field soldier so I can visit your location at 1am or 2a.m.” Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Research and Planning, Mr. Christopher K. Kato has said the new police force policy thrust of community partnership, intelligence gathering and human rights observation can help rebuild the battered image of the police.

The DIG, who spoke in Lokoja during his tour of the north central zone under his supervision, warned police of all ranks to resist corruption in whatever form, maintaining that a corrupt police couldn’t perform his duties effectively. Enetie, speaking on the occasion while handing over to Ude at the STF headquarters said he was leaving the STF as a fulfilled and happy man and urged the troops to do things that will keep them at peace with their host communities. He said, “We know there were some challenges but they are being addressed.

Stop extortion, be focused in carrying out your task on the Plateau, work closely with other security services to actualise the mandate of the STF.” The Police boss directed that policy of community policing be strictly adhered so as to enhance and improve the image of the force nationally and internationally.

DIG Kato declared that the new police force in line with the policy of the Federal Government is poised to provide needed security for lives and property of the citizens.

He urged the officers and men of the Kogi State Command not only to maintain the tempo but also improve on the achievements of taming criminals. Kato reiterated the importance of partnership with the community, where they can easily gather intelligent reports.

“The community is very vital for the police if it has to succeed. Police can not operate and succeed with out the involvement of the community.”

He therefore urged them to establish cordial relationship with the communities and the public in general. The Police boss also disclosed that statistics has indicated that the figures available regarding the man power strength including supportive services in the police is grossly inadequate adding that efforts are in the pipe line to at least measure up.

According to the DIG, the intelligence information gathering policy trust is also put in place to provide effective dissemination of intelligent information that could assist the police in combating crimes within its immediate society. In his address, the Kogi State Commissioner of police, Samuel Ogunjemilusi thanked the DIG for the visit which he said has offered wide education on the new police policy trust with a promise that the command will continue to sustain its strides in riding the state of criminalities.