…ban officers from searching phone
By Sunday Abah, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced plans to intensify campaigns against the use of fake and fraudulently-obtained diplomatic number plates within Abuja.
It has therefore ramped up security measures across Abuja in preparation for the Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) celebrations, and the June 12 Democracy Day commemoration.
To ensure a secure environment throughout the period of a series of events slated for June, including the Inspector-General of Police’s Honours and Awards Night, Ajao Adewale, the FCT Commissioner of Police, on Monday, convened a strategic meeting with all six Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and heads of tactical units under the command.
The engagement focused on refining operational strategies and reinforcing discipline, professionalism, and accountability within the ranks, especially as the city prepares to welcome high-profile dignitaries from across the country.
According to a statement released by Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer for the command, the meeting emphasised the need for increased security visibility across all entry and exit points of the city.
Ajao tasked all senior officers to tighten security within their jurisdictions and ensure swift responsiveness to any emerging threats or incidents.
Officers were instructed to be especially alert at strategic locations expected to experience increased foot and vehicular traffic.
The Police Commissioner directed the deployment of Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams to sweep key worship and recreational centres ahead of large gatherings.
He also ordered sustained intelligence-led operations in areas notorious for drug-related and other criminal activities, warning that these operations must be conducted professionally and without any form of abuse.
Ajao warned sternly against extortion, urging officers to maintain a smart appearance, uphold discipline, and treat members of the public with courtesy and respect.
He reiterated that officers must not interfere in civil disputes, especially those involving land matters, and reminded them that bail remains free in all cases.
‘Any officer caught demanding money for bail or engaging in illegal financial transactions will face disciplinary consequences”, Ajao said.
He further emphasised that the illegal searching of mobile phones without proper legal authority is prohibited, and all officers must be approachable, camera-friendly, and uphold the positive image of the force at all times.
The commissioner also stressed the importance of a rapid response to distress calls, setting a command-wide benchmark of under 10 minutes for response time.
In addition, he directed an immediate crackdown on vehicles bearing fake or fraudulently obtained diplomatic number plates.
DPOs were also mandated to deepen engagement with local communities by initiating youth-focused programmes and enhancing collaboration to strengthen community policing and grassroots crime prevention.
Ajao reaffirmed the FCT Command’s dedication to ensuring peace, safety, and public order throughout the Territory.
He called on residents and visitors to remain law-abiding and to support the Police in the collective responsibility of securing the FCT.
With the heightened security alert and coordinated policing efforts, the command says it is well-prepared to manage the increased activities expected in the coming weeks.
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