- Safiu Kehinde
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned recent attack on an official of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps by policemen in Osun State.
NPO reported that some officers of the Osun State Police Command had, in a viral video on X, physically assaulted a NSCDC official who had challenged and denied the police officers access to an estate for a raid and arrest of a suspect.
Reacting to the disturbing video, IGP Egbetokun called for Espirit De Corps amongst agencies while condemning the unprofessional conducts of the Policemen involved in the incident.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force’s spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on X.
The IGP, according to the statement, expressed his displeasure over the incident and has ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Zone 11, Osogbo to carry out a discreet investigation into the root cause of the confrontation.
Egbetokun recalled a recent conference with Senior Police Officers where he harped on the need honor and respect all colleagues and members of other services within the confines of the law for successful operation.
He, however, called for calm from Nigerians as he expressed the Force’s commitment to work in collaboration with relevant sister security agencies.
The statement read in part; “In response to a viral video of public confrontation between Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osogbo, Osun State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP kayode Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM, expresses displeasure at the act of unprofessionalism and public display of dichotomy, and has ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Zone 11, Osogbo to carry out a discreet investigation into the root cause of the confrontation.
“It is pertinent to recall that in a press statement from the NPF, Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/257 dated 15th October, 2023 “IGP HOLDS STRATEGIC CONFERENCE WITH SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS, harps on professionalism, camaraderie”, the IGP while strongly emphasizing the core essentials of synergy for efficiency and productivity among security operatives stated thus – “At this moment, I must stress the importance of ‘esprit de corps’ – the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and shared purpose that binds us within our organization and with our colleagues across other agencies.
“It is essential for the successful execution of our duties that we honor and respect all colleagues and members of other services within the confines of the law”.
“The IGP however calls for calm as the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership would continually work in collaboration with relevant sister security agencies towards ensuring we achieve a safe and secure environment for our dear country Nigeria.”