Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, who is the twenty-first indigenous Inspector General of Police, has promised to provide professional and responsible leadership in the affairs of the Nigeria Police.

Baba said this in Abuja at a ceremony marking the formal handover by the immediate past Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu.

The acting Inspector General of Police said he was mindful of the yearnings of Nigerians for a policing system that would not only assure them of their safety, but also police them with civility.

He said his administration would provide the highest level of professional and responsible leadership in the Nigeria Police to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

Baba, therefore, urged citizens to change their mindset and be prepared to work with the force in the interest of community safety and national security.

He said his appointment as the acting Inspector General of Police was a call to national duty, particularly, at a critical time that Nigeria was experiencing increasing complex and pervasive security threats.

The acting Inspector General of Police said the threats were occasioned by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping secessionist agitation and other highly organised crimes.

According to him, much as the challenge to provide leadership in the force to address these threats may appear daunting, I am inspired by the courageous and patriotic officers in the force.

He said he had no doubt that the officers would assist to advance the internal security programme of the Federal Government to restore security and return the country to the path of unity and development.

“I am inspired by the fact that, from my extensive years in service, I can confidently say that Nigeria police is endowed with some of the finest, courageous and patriotic officers.

“I am also encouraged by the fact that the outgoing Inspector General of Police laid a solid foundation and entrenched a culture of professionalism and efficiency in the force.

“This will stimulate me in my capacity as the Inspector General of Police to strengthen our strategies and provide requisite leadership that will change the narrative in relation to our operational approach to the current security threats.

“As Adamu exits the force, I call on you all to join me in celebrating one of the greatest policing icons of our time.

“I want you to put on record our immense appreciation of his laudable contributions to the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

The new IGP, who is the 21st indigenous Inspector General of Police, thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve the nation and humanity.

He pledged to harness all human and material resources of the Force towards improving security, safety, law and order in the country.

Alkali Baba, who hails from Geidam in Yobe State, is a fellow of the National Defence College.

He was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force on 15th March, 1988 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Nigeria Police Academy (Annex), Kaduna.

He holds a Masters degree in Public Administration (MPA) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.

The crime-fighter has held several strategic positions in all the departments of the Force.

He was acting Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of the Department of Finance and Administration, the Force Secretary, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Zone-5 Benin, Zone-4 Makurdi and Zone-7 Abuja.

He was also a former Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Delta Commands amongst others.

Until his appointment as the acting, he was the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.

Alkali Baba holds a policing vision of enhancing police primacy in the protection of lives and property.

He believes in the provision of motivational and credible leadership driven by professionalism and strategic planning, all directed at stabilizing internal security and modernizing police operations within the framework of citizens’ consent, trust and the rule of law.

HIS AGENDA:

After he was decorated by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday, he told State House correspondents about his agenda, in the next two years, when he is expected to retire.

First, he said he would build on the successes of his predecessor, by rejigging the operational strategies of the Police.

“You will see improvement on where my predecessor has left.

”I came in at a very challenging time. I know it. I recognise it and I will work on how to improve from where my predecessor has left.

”I have been a member of the management team. We have tried to do our best, but it’s not enough.

”There is room for improvement. Definitely, we are going to rejig our operational strategies,” he said.

The acting I-G stated that with the support of Buhari, the police would acquire new gadgets that would enhance their efficiency.

He also stressed the need for support and cooperation from the public, to enable the Police achieve its mandate of ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country.

“We have the blessing of Mr President and we are hoping to get more of what we have requested through the Police Trust Fund very quickly.

“Nigerians should expect improvement on the security situation. And Nigerians should also collaborate and cooperate with us. With all the inadequacies we have, we still require everybody to be part of policing in this country.

“And that is why the emphasis on community policing will continue and the emphasis of collaborating with all other sister agencies will continue and we hope to have a better situation very soon.”