By ARMSTRONG ALLAHMAGANI, Bauchi –
The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State, Auwal Muhammad, has disclosed that no fewer than 18 personnel serving under the Command, have been disciplined for various misconducts from January to December, 2024.
CP Muhammad said this included the dismissal of one constable, demotion of four officers, issuance of warning letters to six others and the reprimanding of four others.
He made the disclosure while briefing journalists on Monday on the activities of the Command in 2024 at the Police Headquarters in Bauchi
He said that the Command’s Complaint Response Unit received 10 complaints against her officers and men for various misconducts including extortion carried out by against the public and recovered over N700,000.
“In line with our commitment to accountable and transparent service delivery, we have actively addressed instances of professional misconduct within our Command from January 2024 to date. A total of 18 have undergone internal disciplinary measures, demonstrating our dedication to maintaining high operational standards.
“This includes the dismissal of one Police Constable, rank reductions for four (4) officers, issuance of warning letters to six (6) personnel, and reprimands for four others.
“Moreover, our Complaint Response Unit (CRU), functioning within the Police Public Relations Department, has played a critical role in addressing public complaints against the misconduct of our officers and men. During this timeframe, we received ten (10) complaints, all of which were meticulously investigated.
“Our efforts culminated in the recovery of seven hundred and eighty-four thousand naira (₦784,000) from the implicated officers, which has been duly returned to the affected victims.
“As we progress, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuing internal disciplinary procedures for personnel who do not uphold our established standards, thereby ensuring accountability and fostering continuous improvement in our service delivery,” he assured.
The Commissioner of Police, stated that in accordance with the policy thrust of the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, aimed at combating crime and enhancing the safety of all citizens for economic development, the Command, under his leadership, is implementing decisive measures to address criminal activities within the state by focusing primarily, on proactive initiatives designed to deny safe havens to criminal elements who may seek to challenge their commitments,
He said that in furtherance to this objective, the Command has undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of its crime prevention strategies, with Community Policing serving as the foundational element of its approach.
As a result, the Police Boss said, the Command has achieved many significant outcomes through the efforts of the State Criminal Investigation Department, the State Intelligence Department (SID), and Area commands, the 33 Divisional Headquarters and tactical units attached to the command.
He disclosed that 1,182 cases were recorded, resulting in the arrest of 2,322 suspects pointing out that “out of these, 678 cases and eight 895 suspects were subsequently charged to court.
He said: “Forty-eight cases involving 82 suspects culminated in successful convictions. 396 cases involving 816 suspects remain pending trial, while 30 cases are currently under investigation. The Command documented 73 cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) during this period.”
Muhammad said that in light of these developments, exhibits recovered during the period include: 23 AK-47 rifles, four G-3 riffles, three SMG riffles, 22 fabricated or cut-to-size firearms and five fabricated pistols.
He further said that 746 live ammunitions of various calibres, 32 magazines, 100 cartridges, 68 cutlasses and 26 Knives were also recovered. Also recovered were 10 motor vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 69 handsets, 28 tricycles and cash sum of ₦22,038,000.
“These successes were facilitated through critical information provided by the public, who remain essential partners in the effort to ensure a safe and secure environment.
“Additionally, the Command has implemented crime prevention measures that integrate both traditional practices and scientific methodologies, including consistent intelligence-led policing. These initiatives have been further enhanced through collaborations with sister security agencies and non-governmental organizations to effectively address all forms of criminal activity in our state,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to officers and men of the Command for their sacrifices, professionalism and dedication; sister agencies, quasi-security outfits, and traditional and religious institutions for their steadfast support in fostering a safer Bauchi and the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed for his unwavering support and commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force in the state.
“While we remain steadfast in our mandate to ensure peace and security, we appeal to the public to continue providing timely and accurate information. Policing is a collective responsibility, and your cooperation is imperative to our success,” he admonished.
