Coronavirus: Do Not Visit Police Stations, IGP Advises Nigerians

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has advised Nigerians against visiting Police stations and police offices in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.

In a statement on Sunday by the force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, the IGP also called on Zonal Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police to avoid unnecessary arrests and detentions except for serious case.

“The IGP, while urging officers to observe personal safety measures, further directs the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned.

“He reiterates that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention.

“The IGP further directs that adequate measures be emplaced to screen persons to be committed into police custody.

“The IGP enjoins citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimise official visits, except where absolutely necessary” the statement said.

“Also, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shut, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.

“The Force Medical Services has been empowered and directed to step up sensitisation programmes across Commands, Formations and Barracks in the country,” the statement added.