Everyone’s involvement will guarantee security for all, says IGP

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, on Thursday said Nigerians must imbibe the culture of assisting security agencies to ensure security and safety of everyone. 

Baba, who insisted that security is everyone’s business, spoke at the annual lecture and award ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria in Lagos. 

The event is with the theme, ‘Insecurity: Tackling the dark cloud over Nigeria’s unity, prosperity ahead of the 2023 General Elections.’

The IGP, who was represented at the event by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in charge of Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun States, Bode Adeyinka Adeleke, noted that Nigerians had left the task of security solely to the government, adding that the only way to effectively secure the nation is if the citizens played their part.

The IGP said, “The dividends of security could not be quantified in monetary terms; all must cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information.

“All hands must be in deck to ensure a crime free environment” he added.

Earlier, the President of CRAN, Olalekan Olabulo, had expressed concerns over the spate of insecurity ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He said the only thing that can stop the election is insecurity.

He said, “Our economic challenge will only determine the choice of the candidates and parties to be voted for but insecurity can stop the election from taking place”.

He said the effect of the 2020 #EndSARS protest which include increasing brazen attacks on law enforcement agents, attack on correctional facilities and destruction of public properties were threats to the elections.

The CRAN President, however, commended the security agencies for their efforts in securing the lives and properties of Nigerians despite the challenges.

Among the awardees are Dr Babatope Agbeyo Chairman, Cornfield Group of Company, IGP Baba, Governor Hope Uzodima of Imo State, AIG Zone2, Bode Adeleke, CP Abiodun Alabi Lagos Police Commissioner, DSP Edafe Bright Delta State PPRO, Immediate Past President, CRAN, Odita Sunday, Commandant Ewaka Okoro, Lagos NSCDC, SP Benjamin Hundeyin Lagos PPRO, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi FPRO.

Others are Comptroller Ali Ibrahim, a former General Manager, LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, CSP Joseph Egwuowu, MFM General Overseer, Daniel Olukoya, LASTMA Officer, Akinwunmiju Michael, CSP Tolani Lamina DPO and CSP Onyinye Onwuaegbu, DPO, among others.