The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered police mobile force commanders to deal with political thugs, who may want to scuttle the November 6 governorship election in Anambra.
The police chief, while reading the riot Act to squadron commanders specifically said the thugs should be dealt with ruthlessly, vowing to deal with any commander who lacks command capacity and is unwilling to key into his reform agenda.
Baba, who spoke at a meeting with Police Mobile Force Squadron Commanders at Force headquarters in Abuja, noted that the election security action plan would revolve around police mobile units.
According to him, “You must remain apolitical while being ruthless with violent elements and ill-guided political thugs that may wish to test our common will to deliver a transparent and credible electoral outcome”, he said.
“Much as I am determined to motivate you to advance your mandate as the striking arm of the force, let no one of you be in doubt about of my resolve to deal decisively with any squadron commander that lacks command capacity as well as those who are unwilling to key into our mission of reforming the PMF and repositioning the force.
“Discipline, professionalism and operational excellence are the bedrocks of the PMF. Any personnel that I deficient in any of these has no justification to remain within the PMF system as they are not only dangers to the force but to the nation.
“Accordingly, we shall not spare any PMF operative that continues to conduct himself or herself in manners that are not edifying of the Nigerian Police Force.
“Consequently, the AIG PMF has been directed to put machinery in motion to identify and rationalize such incorrigible elements out of the PMF”, he said.
The IGP noted that the Nigeria Police Force in the coming days will be implementing a national security action plan to refocus the internal security dynamics of the country.
This, he said, will be in addition to securing the electoral processes in the State including the protection of personnel and materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and critical national infrastructure.
