A recent Amnesty International Report dated November, 2012 has just been received by relevant authority of the Nigeria Police. As a responsible law enforcement agency, the Nigeria Police Force takes all criticisms against its organization seriously. Consequently, the Police Authority has begun a comprehensive and critical study of the report with a view to establishing its veracity and relevance vis-à-vis our contemporary security challenges and needs.
Bearing in mind that the Force has no monopoly of knowledge,
the Police High Command (on the strength of the Report) will not hesitate to
accept honest and factual recommendations (if any) contained therein and
initiate appropriate reforms where necessary.
However, the Force is deeply concerned over a key research
methodology adopted by Amnesty International in compiling its report. The fact
that most of the sources of the content of the report are “not named”, (and
thus not open to confirmation or reconciliation) puts the authenticity,
credibility and legitimacy of the report in question.
Nevertheless, the Nigeria Police will continue to do
everything humanly possible to improve the capacity and efficiency of its
service delivery especially as it relates to its core responsibility of
protecting lives and property. The Force will also continue to initiate and
improve on policies designed to strengthen the essential values of democratic
policing which includes: transparency, accountability, respect for the
fundamental human rights of all citizens and the promotion of a strong
professional ethics within the Force.
In this regard, the Force will at all times, reward
excellent deeds by its men, while at the same time, holding accountable those
found wanting in the discharge of their statutory duties, bearing in mind that
no organization – including Amnesty International- is perfect. more.........
