The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, has expressed concern over the recent attacks on several Police Stations across the country, .
Speaking with Journalists after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday evening, IGP Baba said that the morale of the Officers has been negatively affected as a result of the attacks, noting that the Police needs improved logistics and better welfare packages.
That was the first time the new IGP met with the President, since he was decorated with his new rank by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while President Buhari was in London.
In recent weeks, some Police Stations, especially in the South-East, were attacked by unknown gunmen, leading to the killing of Officers, as well as the razing of the buildings and vehicles, and releasing of suspects.
The most recent incident took place on Monday, with the Zone 13 Police Headquarters, in Ukpo, Anambra State, razed, following an attack by suspected hoodlums.
Speaking on the recent attacks, IGP Baba added that efforts are in place to ensure that the situation is adequately addressed, to ensure improved security, and also motivate the Officers to discharge their duties professionally.
His words: “I have promised to do my best to change the narrative. In view of the renewed attacks on Police Formations, the order is for me to do my best, and see how we can go about solving the problem of internal security in this country.
“I have taken over the very crucial time. I am fully aware of the situation in the country, and I am introducing what I feel will mitigate these security challenges. I have started implementing them, and I am ready to come on board with the President, so that we can get all the support that is necessary to go about it.
“While I am trying to use what I have, I also need some improvement in both logistics, manpower, and equipment. As you are aware, the morale of many Police Officers has been seriously dampened now, because of the rampant killings of Officers. So, we need to do a kind of motivational work, to ensure that we raise the morale of Police, and this we have started, and I believe it is going to yield a positive result.”