Expect improvement in the security situation, New IGP tells Nigerians

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo reminded acting Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba on Wednesday that he is taking office at a tumultuous time, and that he must hit the ground running.

At the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Osinbajo spoke shortly after bestowing his new rank on Baba.

He said, “You are assuming office at a very turbulent time in the life of our people. There are multiple threats to law, order and public safety.

“The role of law enforcement agencies, particularly that of the police force as primary agency charged with maintaining law and order, has never been more important.

“The police force is our institution of first resort, the first line of defence against crime and anarchy and the first sign of the strength of the state.”

Osinbajo told the new IGP that the challenges ahead would put his mettle to the test, noting that the organization he leads is facing its own set of challenges.

He mentioned that police officers continue to operate in extremely hazardous conditions, with some facing physical harm from terrorists and violent non-state actors while on duty.

Baba acknowledged in a short interview with State House correspondents that he joined the administration at a difficult time.

He did vow, however, to build on his predecessor’s results.

He said that while Adamu’s police management team did its best, there was still room for improvement.

The acting IGP said, “Nigerians will see improvement on where my predecessor has left. I came in at a very challenging time. I know it. I recognise it and I will work on how to improve from where my predecessor has left.

“I have been a member of the management team. We have tried to do our best, but it’s not enough. There is room for improvement.”

Baba stated that he would restructure the police force’s organizational policies.

He stated that the department has the President’s support in terms of resources and personnel, and that he hopes to rapidly receive more of what has been requested through the Police Trust Fund.

He added, “Nigerians should expect improvement in the security situation.

“Nigerians should also collaborate and cooperate with us. With all the inadequacies we have, we still require everybody to be part of policing in this country.

“That is why the emphasis on community policing will continue and the emphasis on collaboration with all other sister agencies will continue and we hope to have a better situation very soon.”