By Gabriel Enogholase

BENIN—ASSISTANT Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Benin, Mr Abubakar Mohammed, has charged Squadron Commanders within the zone to be more proactive and professional in the discharge of their duties.

He gave the charge in Benin, Edo State, yesterday, at a meeting he held with commanders in charge of the various Police Mobile Squadrons and other tactical units in the zone.

Mohammed stated that the vision and mission of the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force led by the IGP, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, were anchored on proactive policing and not reactive.

Represententative of the Presient, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade flanked by the Interior Minister, Comrade Abba Moro (left) and the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar at the opening of the National Summit on Security Challenges in Nigeria held at the African Hall, International Conference Centre, Abuja, Tuesday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

He, therefore, warned men of the Police Mobile Force and other squads to key into democratic policing which he said, focuses attention on respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizens, rule of law and global best practices.

He further charged the commanders to place emphasis on border towns, communities, link roads and major highways to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

The Zone 5 AIG admonished them to always lecture officers and men under their watch to key into the “change begins with me” mantra and shun all forms of corrupt practices, extortion, illegal duties, misuse of firearms, road blocks among others.

Commenting on crime waves in the zone, Mr Mohammed said that cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, vandalism, communal clashes and herdsmen/famers’ clashes have reduced drastically and commended officers and men of the zone for their commitment and doggedness in crime fighting.