The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, on Thursday, warned police officers to exercise high sense of caution in handling guns while dealing with unarmed civilians.
Arase gave the warning in Abeokuta while addressing policemen at the state police headquarters in Eleweeran.
He warned that any policeman who shoots an unarmed member of the public would be jailed.
“Shoot a civilian, go to jail,’’ he warned and directed that any police officer who engaged in indiscriminate shooting should be arraigned within 24 hours of his arrest.
Arase also warned police commissioners not to send officers with psychological challenges on assignments.
The IGP warned police officers particularly those in convoy to stop using horse whips on members of the public, saying, “Nigerians are not animals.”
He announced that the Police authorities had concluded plans to construct 25,000 post retirement housing estates for its officers across the country.
He directed the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali to look for suitable titled landed property where such estate could be built in the state.
He said that 36, 000 officers had benefited from promotional courses during his tenure as the IGP, adding that those with additional qualifications were being considered.
He reiterated his determination to improve the welfare of men and officers of the force.
Earlier in his welcome address, the state CP requested the Police authorities to set up six additional area commands in the state.
Ali also requested for additional manpower to enable the command check the increasing security challenges in the state.
