The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has advised Nigerians to shun social visits and limit official visits to police stations in a bid to control the spread of coronavirus.
According to him, official visits to police stations and other police offices must only be done if absolutely necessary.
He stated these in a Sunday statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba.
The IGP urged Nigerians to abide by all directives given by the relevant authorities to curb the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria.
Adamu also cautioned policemen against unnecessary arrest and detention of suspects as the nation recorded its 30th confirmed coronavirus case on Sunday.
“The IGP, while urging officers to observe personal safety measures, further directs the Zonal AIGs and Command CPs to ensure that cases of unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects are not condoned.
“He reiterates that detention of suspects must be reduced to the barest minimum and that only very serious cases such as terrorism, armed robbery, homicide and other non-bailable offences should warrant detention.
“The IGP further directs that adequate measures be emplaced to screen persons to be committed into police custody.
“The IGP enjoins citizens to avoid social visits to police stations and other police offices and minimise official visits, except where absolutely necessary,” the statement read in part.
The IGP equally directed zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and state police commissioners to strictly enforce the social restriction order imposed by the government in their respective jurisdiction.
“Also, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that all tertiary institutions be shut, the IGP has ordered the immediate closure of the Nigeria Police Academy as well as all Police Primary and Secondary Schools nationwide.
“The Force Medical Services has been empowered and directed to step up sensitisation programmes across Commands, Formations and Barracks in the country,” the statement further read.
