Police hint of change of tactics to combat kidnapping, vandalism, others in South South states

The Zone 5 (Benin) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has disclosed of a change of plan on how to curtail criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, vandalism, herdsmen and farmers clashes among others in the area.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Zone 5, Benin, Mr Abubakar Mohammed, stated this in Benin on Wednesday at a meeting he held with commanders in charge of the various Police Mobile Squadrons and other tactical units within the zone.

He also charged Squadron Commanders within the zone which comprises of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states to be more proactive and professional in the discharge of their duties.

Mr Mohammed stated that the vision of and mission of the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force led by the IGP, Mr Ibrahim Idris, was anchored on proactive policing.

He therefore, warned men of the Police Mobile Force and other technical 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 continue to complement the efforts of conventional policemen in the quest to riding the zone from all forms of crimes and criminalities just as he directed them 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 them to key into the “Change Begins with Me” campaign 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 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.

The meeting was attended by Squadron Commanders of 30 PMF Asaba, 51 PMF Oghara, 5 PMF Benin, Special Protection Unit Base 5 Benin, Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) Base 5 Warrior and 60 PMF Iyamho, Edo States.