by Hauwa Gambo

Mohammed Abubakar, the new Inspector-General of Police is certainly fashioning a legacy – and it’s big on technology. Weeks after releasing to the public a number he called his private phone contact (by the way, we called it, and it didn’t work), the force has a phone number for you to report crimes and other offenses.

The email address is provided for citizens:

– When providing information on the activities of criminal groups, terror gangs or other forms of organized crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, human trafficking, advanced fee fraud, arms trafficking etc.

– To report cases of breach of public peace or imminent breach of public peace.

– When providing information relating to ongoing criminal investigations by the Police and other law enforcement agencies,also when reporting the conduct of Police personnel or the conduct of personnel of other law enforcement agents involved in corrupt and other forms of unlawful acts.

– In commending  members of the Force for acts of gallantry or other forms of exemplary or exceptional conduct displayed in the course of their duties,

– In reporting cases or incidents of electoral offences or other matters related thereto advising or commenting on matters relating to national security especially when such matters have direct bearing with the activities of the Nigeria Police.”

And here it is – [email protected].

In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said the new address is part of efforts by the leadership of the Force “to promote access to justice, transparency and accountability in matters relating to policing and general crime fighting”, Premium Times reports.

He assured users of the e-mail that information provided through the medium would be treated with almost confidentially and the anonymity of their providers respected.

The statement urged potential users of the email to ensure the integrity of their information and make conscious efforts to avoid providing false, malicious or deliberately misleading information to the Force.

It also warned users to be ”guided by the higher virtue of patriotism, selflessness and ultimate service to the community, taking steps to ensure that they act in good faith at all times.

Mr. Mba warned “that established cases of deliberate falsehood or intentional misrepresentation of facts may attract reprimand and in extreme cases, outright prosecution in courts of law.”

“It is the belief of the IGP that the effective use of the new email address will help in checkmating excesses of law enforcement personnel, encourage free flow of information between the public and police managers, and ultimately promote efficiency and better service delivery,” he added.

The statement urged the public to take advantage of the new communication channel in exposing the ills of the society and partnering with the Police to tackle them.

We’ll see.