Stop torture, extra-judicial killings, Buhari warns police

President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the police against
torturing citizens at the slightest provocation or resorting to
extra-judicial killings.

He also asked them to prepare adequately for the 2019 polls in
order to prevent electoral violence and all forms of
malpractices.

The President spoke on Thursday during the convocation and
passing out parade of the First Regular Cadet Course at the Police
Academy, Wudil, Kano State.

Speaking to the 602 successful personnel, Buhari stated, ”We
must abide by the constitutional code of conduct in policing our
people.

”The police in their efforts to fight crime must work in
partnership with the community. You cannot properly police the
people without their consent.”

Buhari also cautioned them against promoting corruption in the
force.

He said, ”It is appropriate to warn you as police officers not
to see yourselves as being above the Law. You must be above board
and resist all temptations. Be contented with your salaries and
allowances.

”The government recently increased your general emoluments to
make you more efficient and effective in the discharge of your
duties. With this increase in your salaries, you have less reason
to fall into temptations of financial or other inducements.

”Let me again reiterate that this administration has zero
tolerance for corruption. Corruption is the major reason why the
Nigerian economy has not developed at the rate of other comparable
countries.

”If we must develop and reap the fruits of our democratic
dispensation we must shun corruption at all levels. It is,
therefore, your responsibilities and other anti-corruption agencies
to kill corruption before corruption overtakes Nigeria.”

Buhari commended the efforts and the sacrifice the police had
made in collaborating the military to fight Boko Haram.

”I am aware that you have just deployed over 2,000 police
officers, including Special Forces to the North-East to support the
efforts of the military.

”The success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram in the
North-East cannot be related without mentioning the support you are
giving to the military. The group is no longer occupying any
Nigerian territory as it used to before the advent of this
administration.

”The recent attacks by the Boko Haram group can be likened to
attempts of defeated insurgents to re-organise its ragtag and
scattered individuals. This, however, will not be possible as
adequate strategic plans have been put in place in conjunction with
our neighbouring countries to completely wipe out the group.”

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