By Nkechi Eze
The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Shetima Jauro Mohamed, has directed police commanders and senior officers in the state to strengthen operational discipline, improve manpower deployment and uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The police chief gave the directive on Friday during the monthly Officers’ Conference held with Area Commanders, Squadron Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Departments of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.
Addressing the officers, the Commissioner of Police said the conference provided an opportunity for the command to critically assess its performance, review emerging security challenges and reinforce commitment to effective service delivery to residents of the state.
He stressed the need for optimal utilisation of personnel, noting that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had expressed concern over the wastage of manpower and the proliferation of tactical teams across police formations.
Mohamed therefore directed that tactical units within the Nasarawa State Command be reviewed, streamlined and properly coordinated to ensure operational efficiency and maximum impact in crime prevention and control.
The commissioner also condemned the practice where multiple police formations investigate the same case simultaneously, describing it as unprofessional and capable of creating confusion while eroding public confidence in the police.
He instructed officers to respect jurisdictional boundaries and ensure that duplication of investigations is avoided.
On civil disputes, the police commissioner warned officers to immediately desist from involvement in land matters, particularly the deployment of personnel to guard plots of land.
“The Police Force is not an agent for private interests in land disputes. Any officer found engaging in such acts will face strict disciplinary measures,” he said.
He also reiterated the directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection duties, ordering the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure total compliance so that officers can be redeployed to core policing responsibilities.
Mohamed further ordered a comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition across all formations in the command, stressing that accountability in the management of police armouries is non-negotiable.
According to him, all formations are required to conduct thorough checks of their armouries and submit detailed reports, while the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations will monitor compliance.
The commissioner equally directed that all police constables undergo proper training in the handling and use of firearms, warning that no officer should bear arms without adequate training and certification.
He reminded officers that the removal of the Attorney-General’s consent requirement has made garnishee proceedings against officers easier, urging personnel to act professionally, lawfully and with integrity at all times to avoid legal and financial consequences.
On the treatment of suspects, Mohamed emphasised that bail should be granted to deserving suspects in line with the law, while warning that any death in police custody would not be tolerated.
He urged officers to strictly adhere to human rights standards and existing regulations in the handling of suspects, including proper restraining procedures that ensure safety without violating their rights.
The police commissioner also emphasised the importance of timely communication, directing officers to complement written situation reports on serious incidents with immediate phone calls to relevant supervisory authorities to ensure prompt response and coordination.
Operationally, he ordered sustained raids on identified criminal hideouts and flashpoints across the state, urging commanders to dominate their areas of responsibility and deny criminals any safe haven.
Mohamed also warned officers against violating the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, cautioning that indiscriminate posting of operational matters or official information capable of bringing the force into disrepute would attract strict disciplinary action.
Speaking on the forthcoming National Police Day celebration, he disclosed that the Nasarawa State Command had lined up several activities to mark the event under the theme “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
The activities include a statewide sanitation exercise and medical outreach at Yahaya Sabo Motor Park in Bukan Sidi, Lafia; a walkathon from the Command Headquarters along Shendam Road to Lafia City Stadium and back; a community outreach programme focusing on sensitisation against electoral violence, ballot snatching and promotion of safe driving practices; and the presentation of cheques to families of deceased officers at the Command Headquarters.
The grand finale of the celebration, he said, will feature a ceremonial parade and tactical display at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
The commissioner called on residents of Nasarawa State to participate in the activities and continue partnering with the police in promoting peace and security.
He urged officers of the command to remain dedicated to their duties, uphold the core values of the Nigeria Police Force and lead by example in safeguarding the security of the state.
