The acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, today decorated  seven newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General  (DIGs)of Police and 13 Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) of Police with their ranks.

The police boss said at the Force Headquarters in Abuja that the promotion is to kick start of a new face in the administration of the force, pointing out that officers must do things differently, by introducing friendly strategies that would chart a new course for enforcement of law in Nigeria.

The acting IGP revealed that he has activated initiatives to mobilize support for the force, which is being prepared to move in a new direction in what would be a departure from what obtained within the police system.

The new direction, according to Mr. Abubakar, involves respect for human rights, civility to the public, zero tolerance for corruption, effective and efficient provision of police services as well as enhanced collaboration and partnership with other law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.

He boasted that he had nurtured a dream of an effective police force over the years, adding that he had already demonstrated part of his vision within the limits of the capacity the various offices he has held so far allowed.

The police boss praised the Police Service Commission for showing sensitivity to the challenges facing the force, by giving him a team he could work with, promising to bring about tremendous improvements to the security situation in the country in the foreseeable future.

“I am convinced that the success of every police organization, aside from standard mechanisms, largely depends on the level of cooperation, partnership and support it derives from the public it serves,” he said. “This administration will therefore encourage enhanced participation of the organized public, civil society groups and other stakeholders in the generation of policing policies as well as the monitoring of their enforcement as they affect individual environment.”

The acting IGP assured all police personnel that his administration would enthrone merit and support field officers to perform optimally while recognizing and rewarding hard work as well as celebrating exemplary conduct and achievements.

The officers were decorated with the assistance of their spouses and representatives of the Minister of Police Affairs and Police Service Commission.

Those promoted from AIGs to DIGs include Yusuf Haruna, Gasali Lawal and John Ahmadu, while Richard Chime, Kevin Opoke, Sardauna Abubakar and Audu Abubakar were promoted from Commissioners of Police to AIGs.

Meanwhile, the Commission has approved the appointment and posting of four State Commissioners of Police, including Bashir Azeez for Oyo State; Tambari Muhammed, Kaduna state; Moses Anegbode, Yobe State; and Edgar Tamnanakumo for Abia State.

The appointments and postings are in conformity with Section 215 (1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution which vests in the Commission the powers to appoint Commissioners of Police for each State of the federation. The appointments and postings were also sequel to the need to fill existing vacant positions in the states.