COVID-19: IGP Reels Out New Operational Guidelines

…Takes Steps To End Police -Public Conflicts And Incidents Of Gender-Based Violence

The Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Adamu on Monday has unveiled a new Operational Guidelines for the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies on COVID-19 prevention enforcement duties.

These operation guidelines which were contained in a press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba in Abuja, the IGP Adamu said part of measures was to foster a more harmonious relationship between the Police and members of the public, deepen respect for the rights of citizens, provide a new set of policing tools for tackling emerging crimes such as domestic violence, rape, child molestation and other incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The IGP noted with concern the increase in reported cases of domestic violence, rape, defilement, cybercrimes, etc linked with the COVID-19 restrictions.

He said “these unfortunate incidents have prompted the introduction of this Operational guideline which will help to adequately coordinate and reshape the conduct of personnel of the Force and other law enforcement agencies on the frontline of operations in the enforcement of the COVID-19 prevention orders. It will also serve as a standard code of conduct for Police officers in similar operations in the future”.

The IGP Adamu also ordered the strengthening of the Gender-Desk Units and the Juvenile Welfare Centres (JWCs) across the country and the deployment of investigative assets to deal with gender-related offenses. In addition, the Cybercrime Unit of the Force has also been strengthened to deal with cybercrimes connected with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in Zonal and State Commands as well as Heads of Police Departments/Formations have been directed by the IGP to make the Guidelines subject of departmental briefings and lectures. The Operational Guidelines will also serve as a training manual in all Police training institutions.

The IGP equally charged the Force Provost Department, the X-Squad, the Force Public Relations Department, the Complaint Response Unit, and the Public Complaint Bureau to carry out their oversight roles of adequate evaluation and monitoring of officers to ensure compliance with the Guidelines and bring erring personnel to book.

He enjoined citizens to cooperate with the Police and other Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) as all hands are on deck to curtail and contain the virus in the country.

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The IGP also expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, and the representative of the British High Commission for their contributions and presence during the unveiling of the Operational Guidelines.

He commended all other corporate organizations that supported the Police in the publication of the booklet.