Acting Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has announced a significant restructuring and strengthening of the IGP Monitoring Unit and the X-Squad within the Police Force.
This was as he ordered Commissioners of Police to establish Complaints Response Unit (CRU) in their respective state commands.
The AIG also tasked the various units on checkmating excesses and improper behaviour of police.
The action of the police boss was to ensure greater efficiency, sanity, and accountability.
These were contained in a release, Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/31, dated 4 August, 2023, by Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Adejobi stated that the action of the IGP was sequel to the receipt of series of complaints and outcry from members of the public against high-handedness, extortion and inappropriate behaviours by police personnel.
“The IGP recognises the importance of upholding the highest standards of conduct and professionalism among police officers and men and aims to address any excesses or improper behaviour displayed by the police.
“In the same vein, the Ag. IGP has directed the Commissioners of Police in charge of state commands to immediately establish Complaints Response Unit in their respective commands.
“[This is] in line with the provisions of Section 131 (1) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, to compliment the efforts of the restructured IGP Monitoring Unit and X-Squad for better service delivery,” it was stated in the release.
As part of the restructuring process, both the IGPMU and X-Squad units, will undergo comprehensive reforms.
The reforms included the integration of advanced technologies and training to equip their personnel with the necessary tools to carry out their statutory duties effectively.
The units will be tasked with the crucial responsibility of overseeing and investigating complaints against police officers.
It will ensure that any misconduct or abuse of power is thoroughly addressed and such reported to the IGP for immediate sanctions.
This is with a view to checkmating inappropriate behaviour among police personnel, most especially indiscriminate extortion of innocent Nigerians along our highways.
“The IGP emphasizes that the restructured IGP Monitoring Unit and X-Squad will function independently and impartially, with a commitment to transparency and justice.
“Additionally, the units will work closely with other internal complaint units and external oversight bodies to foster an environment of accountability and to maintain public trust in the police force,” it was added.
The IGP also released an official email and phone numbers of the unit for complaints and relevant information on police actions;
These are: igpmufhq@npf-c4i.com / 08036242591 or via the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU) – 08057000001, 08057000002 or 08057000003 (SMS/WhatsApp only).
IGP Egbetokun therefore called upon all police officers to be aware of the wind of change cum paradigm shift, and fully cooperate with the IGP Monitoring Unit, X-Squad and other complaint sections.
This he said was with the aim to achieving their mandates without undue interference and hindrance from any quarters.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights in the discharge of police duties.
Meanwhile, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the posting of Commissioner of Police Bartholomew N. Onyeka to Benue State Police Command.
He also ordered the posting of Commissioner of Police Julius Alawari Okoro to head the Plateau State Police Command.
The two postings were part of strategic efforts on improving security deployments and leadership in the areas.
