The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 5, comprising Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states, Mr Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, has expressed worry over the incidence of suicides among officers and men across the country.
Adamu, during an interactive session with the rank and file of the Bayelsa State command, stressed that statistics available to the force showed that more policemen had taken their own lives recently.
According to him, senior police officers must begin to relate closely with their subordinates to discourage such deaths.
“The IGP has asked us to now get close to our officers as well as the rank and file to know what their problems are because the level of suicide within the police is getting higher. Police officers are killing themselves without us knowing what their problems are” he said.
The AIG emphasised that those with family problems should discuss with their senior officer who could possibly help their situation.
He warned officers and men of the force in the zone against divulging sources of information in order to build confidence between the police and members of the public.
“The police need to relate more with members of the public and develop confidence in their minds without being compromised. Many civilians are afraid that if they give police information, we will divulge the source of the information.
“When that is done, the confidence of the informant disappears and this will be detrimental to our crime-fighting strategy.
“When you harass members of the public, you lose confidence. When you torture suspects, it creates problems between you and the civil society in terms of human rights abuse”, Adamu said.
The police chief noted that an accused person reserved certain rights, even as he urged officers to ensure they go about their duty with human face.
“An intelligent police officer can deal with a suspect in a prescribed, acceptable manner rather than using coercive methods. In essence, you change your attitudes. The way you portray yourself will determine whether the person you are getting information from will help you.
“Your appearance matters too. If you appear haggard and dirty, the public sizes you up and disrespects you. If you ask for bribe from the members of the public, they will not respect you. When you ask, they might give, but after leaving, they will curse you and tell you it shall not be well with you,” Adamu added.
To this end, the AIG said the IGP is planning a mass housing scheme to assuage housing challenge, but deduction would made from occupant’s monthly emoluments.

if you are not ready to die , don't join the police and if u want to make heaven , don't join npf....cus u will do some bad bad things

That may be law of karma..in action.....more suicides coming.

Dem just start

Na curse dey follow them

Nemesis

Even d nigerian police has been hit wit recession,..more suicides diz yr loading...