IG says:Removal Of Roadblocks Reduced Corruption In Police By 80 Percent

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar yesterday said the removal of roadblocks from the nation's highways has reduced corruption in the Nigeria Police Force in the past one year after he assumed office.

Abubakar disclosed this during an interaction session at a 'One Day Roundtable and Dinner' organized by a non -governmental organization, CLEEN Foundation to mark the post-one year of his being in office.

Opining on the removal of roadblocks from highways across the country, Abubakar said it has drastically reduced accidental discharges and eliminated the N20 syndrome, as well as harassment of road users.

Abubakar said: "The withdrawal of police roadblocks has reduced 80 per cent corruption in the Nigeria Police These roadblocks were centres of corruption, which dented the image of the Force. With the removal of the roadblocks, the accidental discharge, harassment and human rights abuse have reduced as well.

"Measures are put in place for the past one year have led to drastic reduction in complaints against members of the Force, especially extra-judicious killings and N20 syndrome.

"In improving police image and enforcement of fundamental human rights, there has been increased media presence through proactive response to media and public enquiry, greater synergy between police and other security agencies."

Meanwhile, CLEEN Foundation presented awards to deserving top 10 police stations in the Nigeria who participated in the Altus Police Visitors' Week, 2012, and whose performance were assessed and met the standards set.

The Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Mrs Keme Okeyendo said the awards has been a yearly assesment done to evaluate the poerformance of the poloice across the country. Also to challenge other police officers to do more in their service.