BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police IGP Usman Alkali Baba has commended the Edo State government for supporting the state police command.
Also, the IGP urged operatives of the state police command to reciprocate the state government gesture by ensuring that Edo residents enjoy enhanced security.
IGP Alkali stated this while addressing men and officers of Edo State Police Command at the state police headquarters in Benin City on Tuesday.
“You are very lucky that you have a governor that is interested in police welfare.
“I have gone to Police Training School in Ogida. I saw the massive investment in terms of hostels, auditorium, hospital, classrooms, that is being done by the state government. It will assist in our manpower development, in capacity building and provide us a conducive environment where we can undertake our training.
“It is one of the things we must desire. A well trained police officer is an asset to the force, an asset to himself, and by and large, to the whole community.
“I congratulate you for having that facilities which will also be used by other security agencies
“Don’t hesitate to go on course when you have to go on course. It will always add value to your life, in terms of knowledge and in terms of professionalism”. He advised.
IGP Alkali further expressed confidence that the rebuilding of some police infrastructure destroyed during the EndSARS crisis in Benin City would also serve as morale booster.
“To put back what have been destroyed during the EndSARS is encouraging and is a morale booster,” IG Alkali stated.
The IGP who was in Benin City on a one-day familiarization visit, urged the officers to keep hope alive as the proposed review of their salaries would soon be achieved.
“I want you to take your job very seriously because we are going to work hard to improve on our welfare.
“We are living witness that the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces has graciously asked the salary of the police be reviewed even though it is taking time, it will certainly come.
“Don’t be discouraged it is going to happen,”he assured.
Earlier, the Edo State Commissioner of Police CP Philip Ogbadu told the IGP that the police command in synergy with other sister agencies, vigilante, community policing have recorded tremendous successes in crime bursting, control and prevention.
He however listed some challenges of the command to include insufficient Amourd Personal Carrier (APC) vehicles to combat violent criminals.
