TheCable

Suleiman Abba, the inspector-general of police, has cautioned personnel of the force against indiscriminate use of firearms during the general election.

Emmanuel Ojukwu, the force public relations officer, quoted the police boss as giving the warning while addressing senior officers in Abuja on Saturday.

He said Abba made it clear that the police had a mandate to save and protect lives, and not to kill.

“The IG said in spite of provocation, attributes of a policeman as contained in the police regulations, required him to exercise tact, patience and tolerance and control of temper in trying situations,” read a statement issued by Ojukwu.

“He also cautioned the personnel against excesses and reminded them of the dire consequences of abuse of human rights as contained in the recently released human rights practice manual of the force.

“Abba restated his avowed commitment to observance of the rule of law and the respect of the fundamental rights of citizens by all police officers.

“The rule of law is the underpinning tenet of democracy which will guide police officers in the discharge of their roles in the forthcoming national elections.”

The IG assured Nigerians that the police was adequately prepared to provide the requisite security before, during and after the election.