Abuja –  Acting Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar on Friday acknowledged that there were problems within the police, but assured that he was taking steps to overcome them.

Abubakar, who gave the assurance while decorating the newly-promoted officers, also admitted that the force had not met public expectations.

The IG, therefore, called for public support, saying that the police depended largely on the cooperation and partnership derived from the public to succeed.

He said that with the decoration of the officers, a new era had begun in the police and charged officers and men of the force to do things differently as times and events had changed in the country.

“I say a new era because times and events have changed in the Nigerian society and the Nigeria Police Force must of necessity do things differently.

“We need to evolve new strategies, improve on our relationship with the Nigerian public, enhance general productivity and chart a new course for law enforcement in this country for the benefit of all and sundry,’’ he said.

He said that the new course should be geared toward respect for human rights, civility to the public, zero tolerance for corruption, efficient and effective policing.

He said that the police was working in partnership with other security agencies and all stakeholders in the fight against crime to ensure safer and conducive environment for economic development.

Abubakar said that since his appointment, he had taken the initiative to mobilise support and direct the force in a new direction away from what the police used to be in the past.

The seven newly-promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) are Suleiman Fakai, Atiku Kafur, Emmanuel Udeoji, Haruna John, Peter Gana, Marvel Akpoyibo and Abdurahaman  Akano.

Also promoted are 13 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) namely Solomon Olusegun, Michael Zuokumor, Orubebe Ebikeme, Philemon Leha, Jonathan Johnson and Dan’azumi Doma.

The rest are Joseph Ibi, Muktari Ibrahim, Suleiman Abba, Mamman Tsafe, Saliu Hashimu, Solomon Arase and David Omojola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that to forestall any eventualities, roads leading to the Force Headquarters, venue of the decoration were closed to traffic during the period of the ceremony while police helicopter hovered around the vicinity. (NAN)