Nigeria: Our Best Has Not Been Good Enough, Acting Police IG Baba Says

Alkali Baba

Nigeria’s acting Inspector-general of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, says efforts of the police in tackling crime and criminality in the country has not been good enough, promising to work hard to improve the force.

Mr Baba stated this on Wednesday shortly after the now former Inspector-general of Police Mohammed Adamu handed over to him in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Baba was appointed in an acting capacity by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

Speaking after the hand-over ceremony, he said Nigerians should expect an improvement in the security situation in the country.

“You will see improvement on where my predecessor has left. I came in at a very challenging time. I know it. I recognise it and I will work on how to improve from where my predecessor has left,” he said.

“I have been a member of the management team. We have tried to do our best, but it’s not enough. There is room for improvement.

“Nigerians should expect improvement on the security situation. And Nigerians should also collaborate and cooperate with us. With all the inadequacies we have, we still require everybody to be part of policing in this country.”

The new police chief noted that his reign at the helm of affairs of the force will be mindful of the yearnings of Nigerians as he aims to build a police that will protect human rights.

He said: “Much as the challenge of leading the force to address these threats in the shortest possible time frame, restore security order, and return our beloved nation to the path of national unity may appear daunting, I am inspired by the fact that from my extensive years of service, I can confidently say that the Nigeria police is endowed with some of the finest, courageous and patriotic officers who, undoubtedly, shall support me to advance the internal security vision of Mr. President.

“I am also encouraged by the fact that the outgoing IGP has laid a solid foundation and entrenched a culture of professional efficiency in the Force. These will stimulate me in my capacity as the new acting IGP, to strengthen our strategies and provide the requisite leadership that will change the narratives in relation to our operational approach to the current security threats.”

By Abel Ejikeme