Ibrahim Idris

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has described the kidnap of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Sarkin Pawa in Niger State as an embarrassment to the force.

The DPO, Amos Aliyu was abducted on Sunday near his home at Turin Fulani by yet to be identified armed men.

Speaking on Wednesday at a meeting with Commissioners of Police and other senior officers of the force, Idris said Aliyu’s abduction was an act of carelessness that should be discouraged and therefore urged all policemen to be careful and protect themselves first.

“There should be more visibility policing. Policemen should be deployed to flashpoint areas to take care of security because the presence of policemen in these areas would help in the reduction of crimes.

“We must take the protection of our officers seriously. We have a problem; two days ago, one of our DPOs was kidnapped. How can you be a DPO, you have all the policemen under your command and then you start driving as if you don’t have anybody.

“You allow the useless kidnappers to pick you and your orderly, it is very embarrassing. We had the same issue in Zamfara State where an ACP going on leave travelled alone. It is embarrassing.

“Utilize the men you have  and you must protect yourself first. You can only protect others when you are protected because you are a target,” Idris said.

The IGP further revealed that the Commissioner of Police in Niger State has established leads on the unfortunate incident and expressed delight over the anti-kidnapping law which he said would drastically reduce the spate of kidnappings across the country.