IG warns policemen against use of firearms

THE Inspector General of Police (IGP) Suleiman Abba has warned all policemen on election duty not to use firearms during the exercise, as that is not within the purview of their responsibility, except in extreme cases.

   A statement issued during the weekend by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Emmanuel Ojukwu said that the IG gave the warning at an interactive session with senior police officers in his office, because of the compelling need for personnel of the police force to respect the rights of Nigerians in the course of carrying out their constitutional duties.

   Although he maintained that there are circumstances under which an officer may be provoked in the course of duty and may be desirous of showing off their other sides.

   Abba stressed that, “the attributes of a police officer as contained in the police regulations, require of every officer to exercise tact, patience and tolerance and the control of his temper in trying situations.”

   He advised “all officers of the imperative necessity to apply caution in the use of firearms, warning that except in extreme circumstances, arms shall not be used during the forthcoming elections.”

 “The rule of law is the underpinning tenet of democracy, which will guide police officers in the discharge of their roles in the forthcoming national elections.”

   He charged officers to avoid excesses that would attract unnecessary negative attention and are contrary to the tenets of fundamental human rights, pointing out that dire consequences attendant on abuse of human rights, all of which are contained in the recently released Human Rights Practice Manual, are there to be enforced.

   He restated his avowed commitment to observance of the rule of law and the respect of the fundamental rights of citizens and residents alike by all police officers.