Ogheneruona Tejiri, Asaba, Warri
Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction over the recent mass transfer of over 1,350 police officers from Delta State to various states across the federation by the Nigeria Police Force.
This is contained in a statement signed by Comr. Kehinde P. TAIGA, National President, Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) made available to Reformeronline in Warri, the human rights group said that in as much as the Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu has the power to transfer officers and men of the Police Force, he should exercise such powers in the overall interest of the Nigerian people.
According to Dr. Taiga, “while we acknowledge that the Inspector General of Police possesses administrative powers to deploy and redeploy officers in line with operational needs, such powers must be exercised reasonably, professionally, and in the overall public interest, particularly where the security and stability of a state may not be adversely affected.
“CDHR, therefore, calls on the Inspector General of Police to publicly explain the positive impact and security benefits of this mass transfer on Delta State and its people. It is our considered position that the sudden redeployment of such a large number of officers, many of whom are familiar with the terrain, local intelligence structure, security challenges, and community policing framework within Delta State, may create avoidable security gaps capable of threatening peace and public safety in the state.”
The human rights group was of the opinion that alleged reckless and unprofessional act of few officers should not be a reason for mass punitive transfers of Policeman.
Dr. Taiga added, “we strongly believe that the alleged illegal, reckless, and unprofessional actions of a few officers accused of unlawful killings or human rights violations should not be used as justification to punish or transfer several officers who have continued to carry out their constitutional duties professionally and responsibly.
“The principle of justice and fair administrative practice demands that liability and disciplinary actions should remain personal and specific to officers found culpable after proper investigation, and not extended collectively in a manner capable of affecting innocent officers and destabilizing the policing structure of an entire state.
“CDHR maintains that policing in a democratic society must operate within the ambit of the law, constitutionalism, and respect for fundamental human rights as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), including the right to life, dignity of the human person, liberty, and fair hearing.
The Nigeria Police Force, being a constitutional institution established under Section 214 of the Constitution, is expected to uphold professionalism, accountability, transparency, and public confidence in all its operational decisions.
“We are particularly worried that the mass transfer of officers from Delta State may negatively affect community policing efforts and weaken existing cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies.
“Community policing succeeds largely because officers become familiar with the people, culture, language, criminal patterns, and peculiar security realities within their areas of operation. Abruptly removing officers who have built trust and working relationships with the communities may create intelligence lapses and reduce effective response to criminal activities.
The human rights group further noted that insecurity remains one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria today, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, illegal arms activities, and violent crimes, adding, “Delta State, like many other states, requires experienced and knowledgeable officers who understand the security dynamics of the environment.
“Any administrative decision capable of weakening the security architecture of the state must, therefore, be critically reconsidered in the interest of peace, stability, and protection of lives and property.
“We also wishes to state clearly that the Nigeria Police Force is not the enemy of the Nigerian people. Police officers are our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, and relatives who have sworn an oath to protect lives and maintain law and order.
“However, respect for the institution of the police must equally be matched with professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights by officers in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities. Cases of unlawful killings, extortion, illegal detention, harassment, and abuse of power by some officers continue to damage the image of the force and reduce public trust in law enforcement institutions.
The CDHR then called on he Inspector General of Police to avoid actions capable of creating the impression of collective punishment or administrative retaliation arising from isolated incidents involving certain officers.
Dr. Taiga said, “two wrongs can not make a right. Any officer found wanting in misconduct or violation of the law should face lawful investigation and disciplinary procedures in accordance with the Police Act, Police Regulations, and principles of fair hearing, while innocent officers should not be made to suffer for offences they did not commit.
“In view of the foregoing, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) respectfully appeals to the Inspector General of Police to review and reconsider the transfer of over 1,350 officers from Delta State and to take necessary steps toward restoring confidence, strengthening community policing, and ensuring that the security of Delta State is not compromised. We prefer the officers we know who understand the communities and have established relationships with the people rather than unfamiliar officers who may require long periods of adjustment before effectively understanding the security realities of the state.
“We remain committed to the promotion of justice, rule of law, accountability, and the protection of human rights across Nigeria. We shall continue to advocate for a police force that is professional, people oriented, law abiding, and fully committed to democratic principles and constitutional governance.
