MD Abubakar Confirmed As Inspector General of Police

Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar is the substantive Inspector General of Police.  His appointment was confirmed in Abuja yesterday by the Police Council.  

Speaking to journalists following his confirmation, the Inspector-General promised to do "everything humanly possible” to boost safety and security in Nigeria.

“I will ensure that justice and fair play take place,” he pledged.  “And to all officers and men of the Nigerian Police, I will give the right leadership, quality leadership that they expect to get, without fear or favour to anybody; and I will do justice to all at every given situation."

Mr. Abubakar described the role of the police under his leadership as being to checkmate crime and criminality.

He said: “We were aware of the situation before we came on board.  When we came on board, you are aware that police stations were being attacked, policemen were being killed, banks were being attacked, money was being stolen without any action taken. Today, the situation is different. And you will see more action. You will see more vigour. You will see more efficiency and effectiveness in police service and performance."

Turning to the challenge of the forthcoming Edo State governorship election, Mr. Abubakar called for a free, fair and credible exercise.

“We must provide safety and security for voters to be assured that they can come out to cast their vote and discharge their service responsibility,” he said, pointing out that the police has moved large quantities of men and material into the area in order to give the people the safety and security they are supposed to enjoy.

He however refused to divulge to the journalists the specific strategies and methodologies to be employed in combating crime and criminality, or to supervise the elections.

Last week, the police boss published his personal cell phone number in what was thought to be a major public relations gimmick, asking the public to call him directly with any problems relating to security and corruption in the police force.  

So far, SaharaReporters has not met anyone who was able to reach Mr. Abubakar on the number.