We Will Reduce Corruption By 80% - IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar, on Thursday in Minna pledged to reduce corruption in the police force by 80 per cent.

Abubakar, who made the pledge during a stakeholders meeting, said his resolve to reduce corruption in the police force, was aimed at making it responsive to the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

He said the removal of policemen from road blocks across the country was part of the strategy of reducing corrupt practices associated with the police, adding that the mounting of road blocks gave the force a bad name.

The IG said that with the removal of policemen from the roads, attention would now be focused on stamping out corrupt practices and corrupt officers from the various stations across the country.

Abubakar insisted that bail is free for all bailable offences, adding: “even a woman can bail any person from the police in accordance with the laws of our land.’’

He directed police officers not to handle issues relating to land, marriage and collection of debts from aggrieved individuals, adding that complainants should be directed to the court, saying that the court was the competent body recognised by law to handle such matters.

“We can only mediate among two parties for peaceful resolutions of crises arising from land matters as conflict managers,’’ he said.

He solicited for the support and collaboration of the stakeholders to enhance effective policing by providing necessary information and logistics for the force.