Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing state indigene, Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun Idris, as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Governor Bello in a congratulatory statement in Minna pointed out that peace was gradually returning to many parts of the North East region following the resounding successes recorded by the military, the police and other security forces in the battle against insurgents.
The statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Jibrin Baba Ndace, however, advised the new acting IGP to be prepared to build on the gains to finally restore peace, security and civil life guaranteed in the affected areas.
“In line with world’s best practices, with the breakthrough by our military in quelling the insurgent elements in the North East region, the onus is now on the police to effectively and consciously ensure that it takes the constitutional duty of maintaining internal peace and security of Nigerians”.
According to the statement, “The new IGP should as a matter of priority re-position the Police to effectively provide efficient policing and a more proactive service to the people. The much talked about Community Policing should be given attention so that the force can effectively provide the much needed security.
“In this era of technology and professionalism, IGP should settle for nothing short of global best practices and leverage on the many successes our Policemen and women recorded in the recent past at peace keeping operations across the globe by ensuring regular training of both officers and men for the task ahead”.
Bello said he has the implicit confidence in the capabilities of the new Police boss and advised him to bring his wealth of professional experience and international connections to bear in piloting the affairs of the Nigerian Police Force.
Bello however urged officers and men of the force to give maximum support to the new IGP. “The fact is, the new IGP cannot do it alone. No matter how brilliant he is. The success of the force will require team work and dedication of all stakeholders”.
While advising the new IGP to also seek partners, synergy, collaborations with all stakeholders through inter-agency cooperation to achieve maximum results, Bello said, “As the lead agency in internal security operations, the new IGP would be expected to strengthen inter-agency cooperation with other security agencies and MDAs.
“We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for finding one of the illustrious sons of Niger State a worthy professional as the IGP. We also advise Idris Kpotun to be a good ambassador of the state as he pilots the affairs of the Nigerian police”, according to the statement, stressing, “Your appointment as acting IGP is a no mean challenge and it is a call to duty, you must not fail us. You must live up to those outstanding qualities that have distinguished you over the years”.
Idris, a scientist, educationist and administrator is a Member of Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). With over three decades experience in command, staff and training appointments at home and abroad, he is from Kutigi in Lavun Local Government Concil of Niger state and has held different positions including; Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa and Kano states.
