Policemen arrested in Calaba for mounting illegal check points

 By Peter Yakat

Some Nigerians were arrested for defying IGP’s directive on roadblocks and misconduct LAGOS, Nigeria—In a collaborated effort to eradicate unauthorized roadblocks and curb improper dressing, a group of Mobile Force officers from the Force Headquarters in Abuja arrested several members of the Police Mobile Force Eleven Squadron in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. The arrest was made while the officers were deployed amidst their journey from Akwa Ibom to Cross River State. Following the assumption of office by the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, he disbanded all roadblocks initiated by policemen. A team of mobile officers was established to observe the compliance of this directive. The team, led by the Commander responsible for Ethics, Doctrine and Monitoring, Mr. Anietie Eyo, was deployed to detain any officer who disobeyed the instructions and initiate disciplinary measures against them. Their objective was to eliminate illegal escort, improper dressing, and unauthorized checkpoints. While on their duty in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom, they successfully apprehended three mobile policemen who disregarded the directives. During their return to Cross River State, the team discovered and arrested two more mobile policemen who had abandoned their assignment at the National Independent Power Station in Odukpani to mount an illegal checkpoint along the Calabar-Itu Expressway. The team also apprehended two additional officers within the premises of the Mopol 11 Command in Calabar for improper dressing. One other officer, whose appearance was notably inappropriate, was detained outside the premises. During a stop at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, another individual was apprehended for violating the principles of escorting VIPs, which stipulate that a maximum of two safety personnel are permitted. At the police checkpoint along the Calabar-Ikang road in Bakassi, the team identified two culpable individuals, but due to the sensitivity of their duty in the border area, they were unable to make an arrest. The apprehended officers were placed in custody at various police divisions within the Akwa Ibom and Cross River State commands, awaiting further action. Upon being contacted, the Commissioner of Police responsible for PMF at the Force Headquarters Abuja, Mr. Mbu J. Mbu, stated that all the suspects would face an internal trial and be punished according to the rules and regulations. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the directives and outlined the necessary steps taken to ensure compliance, including forwarding signals to all field commanders and allowing sufficient time for the officers to conform to the instructions. Mbu expressed confidence in the team's ability to discharge its duties effectively without compromises. He also warned that any officer attempting to influence the team members would be dealt with accordingly. Regarding those officers not arrested but found in violation, Mbu explained that some checkpoints are designated, and while the officers may not be removed from their duty posts, their names and force numbers would be recorded and they would be summoned for trial.