IGP briefs Buhari on security, says ‘I may appear before Senate’

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Idris Ibrahim, on Friday in Abuja updated President Muhammadu Buhari on security situation across the country.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with the President, the IGP said he might appear before the Senate ad-hoc committee under the chairmanship of the Senate Deputy Whip, Francis Alimikhena.
The IGP stated that, for the sake of having respect for the National Assembly, he might honour the senate’s invitation as he was awaiting advice from the police legal team.
“These are legal issues. We are discussing with our legal team, if there is need, we are going to appear for the sake of having respect for the Senate. I will appear before them.’’
The Senate had served the IGP an invitation letter on October 16 to appear before its Committee on November 1 to respond to various allegations against him, but he failed to honour the invitation.
Alimikhena told newsmen in Abuja that the committee received a letter from the IGP’s lawyer, Alex Izinyon on Tuesday about the invitation.
He said Izinyon noted that “it would amount to subjudice if the Inspector General of Police appears before the Senate committee, on the same issue that is before a competent court of law.’’
Alimikhena said that the IGP would be invited to appear before the senate on November 7
On the outcome of his meeting with the president, Idris said he briefed him on the efforts of the police to check criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery and other social vices.
Idris said he also updated the president on the measures being taken to ensure a successful and peaceful governorship election in Anambra.
“I am here as usual to discuss with the commander in chief on the security challenges we are having and how we will face these security challenges adequately.
“We are having elections in Anambra State and we are having challenges in various parts of the country especially on issues such as kidnapping; these are the things I discussed with the President and the measures being taken to address them squarely.”
He revealed that water boats, helicopters and about 21,000 police officers would be deployed for the smooth conduct of the election.
“We are deploying a lot of police officers, almost about 21,000 police officers, to be able to provide adequate security for the Anambra election.
“We are deploying our water boats to take care of the water ways, helicopters to take care of the aerial surveillance of the areas; and conventional police men and special police units to take care of situations on ground.
“By the grace of God we are going to have a successful and peaceful election in Anambra state.’’
The IGP also said that the Police had deployed a special police unit to patrol the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to check the menace of armed robbers on that axis.