Kidnapping: IGP To Install Tracking Machines In Lagos, Rivers
As part of efforts to contain the spate of kidnapping across the country, the Police high command has concluded plans to establish tracking units in Lagos and Rivers State.
This was disclosed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, yesterday evening during an interaction with newsmen and human rights groups in Lagos.
Already, tracking machines have been deployed to both states and would start functioning in a few weeks time, so as to reduce pressure on those in Abuja and enhance the Police anti-kidnapping drive.
According to Idris, the tracking machine has made it possible for the Police to resolve about 90 per cent of kidnap cases, with victims rescued and suspects arrested.
While the machine in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, would cater for the South-South and Southeast, that deployed to Lagos would focus on the Southwest.
The Police chief also disclosed that plans were underway to reinvigorate the Force forensic laboratories, but noted that lack of funds was hindering its implementation.
Idris urged Nigerians to assist the Police in tackling armed crimes, reiterating that the fight against kidnappers was a community fight and not what the Police alone can handle.
He said: “Very soon, we are going to have national security summit to address these issues and others, like the herdsmen and farmers issues, which are further dividing us as a nation.”
Idris stressed the need for the media and civil society to be advocates of improved funding of the Police through the Police Trust Fund.
He said: “The funding of the Police is costly. What we are trying to do is pursue 50 per cent of our budgetary requirement from other sources.
“We are also looking for other avenues where we can address the problem of the Police.”He stated that of the N300 billion allocated to the Police in last year’s budget, only N4billion was eventually released.
He also disclosed plans to professionalise the Police by establishing specialised schools, such as Finance, Marine, among others for training.
He urged civil society organisations to support the police in training its personnel on professional conducts. Asked why the Police still use analogue method to take statements, Idris said it was a function of the law, adding that the country’s Evidence Act stipulates that the prosecution must present hard evidence and written statements.
