Nigeria Police Force has said its attention was drawn to a report on in a national daily (not Nigerian Tribune) of December 29, 2016 captioned “1,260 Policemen from S-West protest transfer to Northern States”.
It said the report was in its entirety was false, mischievous and capable of misleading the members of the public.
In a statement, the police said the story was absolutely a shadowy imagination of the writer.
The statement said it was factual to state that transfers, reorganizations and postings in the Nigeria Police Force were routine and administrative.
“Officers and men of the Force are rotated to maximize their efficiency and effective service delivery for the Force,” it said.
“The Nigeria Police Force is a federal security organization and the Inspector General of Police is empowered by the relevant provisions in the Force Orders and Force Administrative Instructions to effect transfers, postings and redeployments of the personnel of the Force as deemed fit to position the Force to discharge its statutory responsibilities efficiently.
“A thorough reading of the report shows that the signal quoted, “CB4770/FS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.5/232, purportedly mandating the affected policemen from South West to assemble in Kaduna on January 4, 2017, was for the transfer of officers from Kaduna State to neighbouring states and from neighbouring states to Kaduna State to contend the security challenges in Kaduna State.
“This is not consistent with extant practices and tradition of the service. To this extent, the publication with all the allegations contained is completely untrue and a futile distraction.
“It is important to enlighten the public that Police officers are subject to movements, transfers and postings within the Force and other lawful assignments while in service.
“Refusal to proceed on postings and protest in this regard is serious misconduct not only in the Nigeria Police Force but in every government/public agency which could attract commensurate sanctions.
“Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force wishes to assure the media of its support as partner in ensuring a crime free society.
“The media is, however, enjoined to resist the temptation of allowing mischievous person (s) to use the pages of their esteemed newspapers to cast aspersion on the policy of the Force.”
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