Following media reports credited to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that the report of Nigeria Police on Baga incident indicted the Joint Task Force (JTF), the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has said there is no iota of truth in the report.
The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in a statement Friday quoted the IGP as saying, “This is not true and cannot be true!” He noted that the police is a component of the JTF.
IGP Abubakar reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the partnership it shares with the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism as well as in various joint efforts at upholding the internal security of the country.
The statement reads, “Police High Command recognizes the positive effect of such synergy with the Armed Forces and other Security Agencies which is essentially responsible for the tremendous results so far achieved.
“Today, peace and normalcy is gradually returning to the North-Eastern States of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi and Adamawa, courtesy of this robust collaboration.
Without doubts, the present Administration of the Nigeria Police Force encourages and supports this synergy and is committed to sustaining it for a better and enhanced security to lives and property of all Nigerians.
“It is in the light of the above that the Force wishes to rebut references to it by recent media reports credited to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) which created the impression that a report issued by the Force indicted the JTF on the Baga incident. This is not true and cannot be true!
“It is important to note that the Nigeria Police Force is a component of the JTF operating in Borno State and other parts of the country and cannot set out to discredit an outfit which it is part of. The said report therefore did not emanate from the Nigeria Police Authority.
IGP Mohammed pledged to uphold police professional ethics and respect for Human Rights, imploring members of the public and the Human Rights community to keep up their support for on-going efforts by Nigerian Security Forces at restoring a lasting peace and security in some troubled parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the IGP has commended all members of the Nigerian Security Forces for their relentless efforts at curbing terrorism and other vices in the country.
“The Police High Command identifies with all the men and women of the Armed Forces, the Police and other Security Agencies who constantly stand in the gap, striving to uphold the Nation’s integrity and its internal security and appreciates them for the huge sacrifices they make for the well-being of our dear country,” he said.
