The Nigerian Police Force on Monday, May 18, 2015 put into service nationwide, 259 specially designated “Safer Highway Patrol Vehicles” in replacement of the banned road blocks.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, upon assumption of office, has disbanded all Police road blocks, which were usually converted into points of bribe taking by unscrupulous officers.
He also initiated series of reforms aimed at not only improving the operational efficiency of the Police but also, boosting the image of the Police.
The new IGP launched the 259 patrol vehicles which he said had been customized to specific states.
He added that special code numbers would be inscribed on each vehicle with facilities in place to monitor their deployment, adding that the special squads trained to man such vehicles were not permitted to cross their designated areas of surveillance.
To ensure that designated officers are not tempted to abuse the privilege, Arase explained that “dry ration and enough water” would be provided for each patrol team. He also assured the prompt payment of their allowances and other entitlements.
Insisting that the Nigerian police must be seen as the “best police” in the world, Arase added that he has launched a website platform www.stopthebribes.net through which members of the public can make instant complaint against observed violations by the policemen, but appealed that such “complaints would be factual and I would appreciate if they can be supported with pictures or other evidence”.
