Acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, on Sunday declared that the directive banning road blocks in Nigeria has not been reversed.
A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said Abba has therefore reiterated the directive and has instructed all commands and formations of the force nationwide to immediately dismantle all semblances of Police roadblocks and permanent checkpoints reportedly re-emerging in some parts of the country, especially in the South-east, South-south and South-west geo-political zones of Nigeria.
The areas mentioned by the Inspector-General had recently started witnessing a growing rate of road blocks mounted by heavily armed policemen, many of whom have allegedly exploited and harassed citizens.
The roadblocks began to manifest after reports that the acting IG had lifted the ban. Days later, the Police Service Commission (PSC) ordered Abba to maintain the banning of road blocks.
According to the statement, Abba lamented the re-emergence of roadblocks in the country as a serious violation of subsisting order on the matter while threatening severe sanctions on any police commands, formations and personnel who violates the order.
He charged State Commissioners of Police and Heads of Formations to ensure a 100 percent compliance with the order as well as carry out patrol and effective surveillance on Nigerian roads.
The statement said as Nigeria joins the rest of the world in marking World Peace Day on 21st September; the Nigeria Police Force would continue to work for the enthronement of genuine peace in the nation.
“As peace officers and front liners in the drive for a peaceful world, the Nigeria Police understands the dislocation and trauma that happen to families, homes, cities and businesses in the event of disturbances,” Ojukwu wrote in the statement.
“In line with the above, the Nigeria Police will train more officers on conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation. Our Family Units and Juvenile Welfare Centres will be reinvigorated to cater for the needs of hurting family members, widows, orphans, displaced persons and the vulnerable.
“The Police will pay more diligent attention to early warning signs and improve response time to crises and distress calls. The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Suleiman Abba urges all citizens to embrace peace at all times, and to assist law enforcement agents in the preservation and maintenance of peace nationwide.”
