Nigerian Police begins special stop and search operations nationwide

A statement made available to media agencies on Tuesday in Abuja, said the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase has given all police command formations nationwide directive to commence stop and search operations on roads and highway.

The IGP directive to police officers and men is sequel to the security received on the possibility of security breaches in some parts of the country. This directive is viewed in some quarters as prompt reaction of the police force to the renewed wave of attacks on soft targets by the notorious Islamist militant group, Boko Haram in the northern of Nigeria.
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According a statement issued by the Force deputy spokesman, CSP Abayomi Shogunle the order followed intelligence report which was not disclosed.He noted further that the measure was temporary and not a way to return old roadblocks across the country.

In the face of any infractions or professional misconducts, Shogunle urged the general public to report such officers through the www.stopthebribes.net platform or the nearest police station.

Shogunle release reads thus: Sequel to intelligence report, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has directed the commencement of special stop and search on Roads and Highways nationwide, with emphasis on roads in and out of major cities/towns.

Citizens are enjoined to bear with the Nigeria Police Force during this security operation which is a temporary measure put in place to address the intelligence received.

The special security measure, stop and search is in no way a return of roadblocks. Any unprofessional conduct should be reported at www.stopthe bribes.net or nearest Police Station.

The general public is advised to cooperate with Police operatives by providing answers to questions that may be asked as well as allowing their vehicles to be searched.