Inspector-General of Police (IG) Ogbonna Onovo has described the abduction of Pa Simeon Soludo, father of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a blow to the police’s efforts to stop kidnapping in the South-East.
Onovo, who spoke during a working visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday in Abuja, sought the assistance of the military to train 150 policemen at the School of Infantry.
He was received by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike.
His words: "I am here to pay compliments to renew the cordial relationship between the Police and the Defence Headquarters. This is my first time to visit the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) since I came into office though you have been of tremendous help to us, especially when I had my baptism of fire a day after I was appointed with the Boko Haram crisis in Bauchi State.
"The DHQ was of tremendous help to us in quelling the crisis. I don’t know how we would have coped without your assistance. We were overwhelmed by the crisis because it was something unexpected but with your aid to a sister security agency we were able to curtail the problem. The situation was brought under control though not without some controversy but peace was restored."
Besides, Onovo said the visit would afford him the opportunity to be advised by the CDS on the need to train and retrain policemen.
"I recalled the advice you gave on the need for our men to be trained and retrained and you have offered to do so at your School of Infantry and I am here to say we are ready to take you on your offer. We have 150 men ready for that training and we thank you for the cordial relationship between the military and the police," he said.
While he appreciated the lessening friction between the lower ranks of the police and military, Onovo noted: "Anybody in conflict situation knows that his saviour might not be any family member but another man in uniform. Since you came on board, the skirmishes have reduced due to your able leadership."
He went on: "I want to also commend the effort made be you to ensure joint effort by the police and the military in tackling crime like in the Niger Delta during the militancy era which has been brought under control.
"We have security problems all over the world but Nigerians want an environment of peace and security hence we have to give all to provide that."
Replying, Air Chief Marshal Dike said the request to train 150 policemen will be honoured as soon as the modalities have been worked out.
"The Police have done well and we are willing to render any assistance to aid your smooth operations. As concerning your request, as soon as the modalities are in place, we will inform you accordingly," he said.
