Adebanjo who gave this warning in Akure, Ondo State capital, during his working visit to the state command urged officers from the state command to be more civil in their approach.
He also advised them to avoid any act that can bring the police into disrepute while he called on the officers to always exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He said “Nobody is above the law and uniform does not make you to be above the law. Always be civil in your approach and no suspect must spend more than 24 hours in detention except in some serious cases.”
He also warned against corporal punishment and accidental discharge saying the Nigeria Police Force has organised series of training and retraining of its officers to eradicate accidental discharge.
He disclosed that the police authorities will not relent in providing necessary welfare facilities to its officers to motivate the officers and bringing out the best in them to fight crime.
He solicited for synergy between the police and other security agencies in the country saying Nigeria would be a better place if all criminals are flushed out of the country and commended the collaboration of all stakeholders in maintaining peace in the state saying Ondo State remains one of the peaceful state in the country.
Earlier, the DIG who visited the state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, has announced the approval of additional Area Command in the state.
According to Adebanjo, the new command would be established in Okitipupa in Okitipupa local government area of the state.
He stated that new Area Command was approved to provide adequate security to the people of the coastal communities and other towns in the southern senatorial district.
Adebanjo however warned criminal elements in the senatorial district to either turn a new leaf or vacate the place, saying the command has mapped out strategies to safeguard lives and properties across the state.
It will be recalled that Akeredolu on Tuesday had called on the police authorities to establish an area command in the Southern senatorial district of the state.
Akeredolu had said that the call became necessary to ensure adequate security of the state from the menace of kidnapping and other criminal elements.
The governor made the call when the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Mr Agboola Oshodi paid him a courtesy visit.
The governor noted that kidnapping thrives in the area and has become a serious concern to the present administration in the state saying: “These miscreants are trying to infiltrate our state and it is only the police that can guarantee our security.
The governor commended the efforts of the state police command in curbing insecurity in the state, urging them to increase their patrol to every nook and cranny of the state to put criminal activities at bay.
Akeredolu said: “All we need is a proactive force which is what we already have. We have to enjoy the tremendous cooperation of your men”.
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