IGP seeks Nigerians’ support in anti-corruption fight

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, has called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to join the force in its renewed determination to stem the tide of corruption in the country.

Idris made the call on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, at the launch of a partnership on an anti-corruption advocacy project between the police and Akin Fadeyi Foundation, a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO).

The advocacy project is tagged, “Corruption, Not in my Country”.

Idris, who was represented by Mr Joshak Habila, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Operations, said that the harm done by corruption to every fabric of the Nigerian society called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders.

The collaboration of all, he said, was necessary to “kill corruption before corruption kills the country”.

“On the part of the Nigeria Police Force, necessary machineries and checks and balances have been put in place to stop corruption within its fold.

“It may interest you to know that the police have re-engineered internal mechanisms, such as the X-Squad, Special Anti-Fraud, Anti-Cyber Crime Squad among others, geared towards preventing various vices within the force.

“Several punitive measures have also been put in place to discipline erring police personnel and to serve as deterrents to others,’’ he said.

He assured Nigerians and international partners of the force’s commitment to effective and efficient service delivery to the public.

Mr Akin Fadeyi, the Executive Director of the foundation, said the campaign was partly aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the police force.

Fadeyi decried the public apathy and mistrust of the police, which, he said, was driven by a history of corruption in the force.

The campaign, according to him, will change the narrative about the force, while also pointing out areas of citizens’ involvement in corruption.

The event featured the official premier of the “Corruption, Not in my Country” Police Advocacy Drama Skits.