The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has directed that all social visitors to inmates in police custody should be thoroughly screened of coronavirus before they are allowed in.
He also directed that every new detainee should similarly be screened, even as he ordered the closure of police academy.
A statement by the spokesman of the police from the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Frank Mba, quoted the IGP as directing all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police nationwide to ensure that all legitimate orders given in pursuant to the containment efforts are strictly enforced within their areas of jurisdiction.
The police boss advised officers to observe personal safety measures, even as he directed the Zonal Assistant Inspectors General and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned.
He reiterated that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention. “The IGP further directs that adequate measures be emplaced to screen persons to be committed into police custody.
“The IGP enjoins citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimize official visits, except where absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, the IGP has ordered Command CPs to immediately publicize phone numbers of their Command Control Rooms, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other Tactical Commanders using the conventional and non- conventional media in order to facilitate alternative interacting and reporting options between the Public and the Police
“Also, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shut, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide. Meanwhile, the Force Medical Services has been empowered and directed to step up sensitization programmes across Commands, Formations and Barracks in the country.”
