The Inspector General of Police ( IGP ), Ibrahim Idris, on Wednesday warned police officers to avoid temptation from political actors as the 2019 election draws near.
Describing the election year as “critical,” the police chief urged police personnel to be professional and steadfast.
He made the call during the last meeting of the year with commissioners of police and other senior officers in Abuja.
And, contrary to claims that the police has continued to disobey court order which asked it to unseal the Peace Corp headquarters building located in Jabi area of Abuja, Idris said the Force has appealed the court order.
He said police has asked the court to stay execution of judgment on the matter.
He said the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) would now focus on violent crimes.
On the 2019 election, he said: “Officers should be aware that from next year, we are entering critical phase in the political space of this country and this critical phase include most of the election that would be conducted.
“Officers should be steadfast and obviously do their best to ensure that wherever you find yourselves, that you do your utmost best to ensure that the political situation be handled maturely and orderly.
“We have to avoid temptations wherever we find ourselves. Try to avoid temptation from political actors and other people that may try to tempt you at the cost of having a smooth election.
“We need to be professional, especially in the coming years when election would be conducted.
“Our job is a difficult job because we are close to the civil population more than any security agency and I think at various levels, CPs should imbibe it in their officers the need to be very available and professional with the civilian population because they have trust in us and we have to serve the interest of the generality of Nigerians in ensuring that we have a fair and just election.”