COVID-19 lockdown violation : Stop taking bribes to allow movement of vehicles on highways, IG-P warns policemen

…threatens sanctions, to publish tel. nos to report bribe-taking officers

Miffed by reports about his officers and men still collecting bribes to sabotage the lockdown order, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, has promised such officers a raw deal and sanctions.

Policemen who are allowing those not on essential duties on the road will be heavily sanctioned, the IG vowed on Tuesday while speaking at  the Presidential Task Force briefing in Abuja.

To police and track the policemen, Adamu promised to make available some telephone numbers to the public to report officers taking bribes to allow non-essential motorists to move freely during the lockdown.

Persecondnews recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Sunday extended the lockdown for another two weeks in Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the FCT as  part of measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus disease.

Adamu said in the meantime the public should report any misconduct by security agents and activities of criminals taking advantage of the lockdown to the Police Public Relations Officers in the various state commands.

On the seizure of vehicles carrying  food items by the police, Adamu said he had directed his men stop delaying or arresting such vehicles, saying movement of agricultural produce and livestock is part of essential services that should not be hindered.

He said the force headquarters would liaise with state governments to provide more protective items for his men to enable them to do discharge their duties effectively.

On the activities of hoodlums in Lagos and Ogun states during the lockdown, the IGP assured that  security had been reinforced in residential homes, markets, shopping malls and banks to ensure they are not vandalized or attacked.

He said special intervention squads have been deployed in Lagos and Ogun to tackle the banditry and other criminalities.

“Those using the opportunity of the lockdown to commit crimes in all parts of the country should desist as their actions will not be tolerated as all resources have been deployed to ensure their activities are frustrated.’’