Police Commissioner denies strike action in Borno

Borno State Police Command has denied media reports that Borno Police Command officers and men will embark on a planned protest or demonstration in Maiduguri city over non payment of salaries and allowances as well as poor welfare package.

He also disclosed that already the salary of the NPF had been upgraded with 20% while efforts are being made by the IGP, Alhaji Alkali Baba Usman to increase salary of the Nigeria Police and improve in the welfare of all ranks and files across the country towards re-equipping and standardizing operations of the NPF including issues of Police Pension Scheme and other welfare imorivemebt.

The CP Abdul Umar who stated this at the Borno Police Headquarters in Maiduguri, while addressing officers and men of the Borno Command NPF and the media at a press conference noted also that the IGP has on the approval of the FG commenced rebuilding, renovation and rehabilitation of Police Colleges and Mobile Training Camps including that of Maiduguri and Gwoza in Borno State.

According to him, the IGP has also pledged to immediately commence distribution of new uniform yards of the NPF and kits to the ranks and files (From Inspectors to Corporals) while the officers already have their Uniforms and Kits Shops that they get their uniforms and kits regularly.

He explained further that the IGP has directed for the establishment of a new Police Pension Scheme that will directly be involved in handling the pensions of retired police including managing their funds to improve their welfare after retirement against the poor management of the NPF pension funds which had led to the demise and permanent injuries to many retired police officers and men.

The Police Commissioner also use the opportunity to clear the air on a viral video being circulated that the Borno Police were demonstrating against non payment of salary and poor welfare package denying that “,no police officer or man is embarking in any strike and Borno police has not planned whatsoever to go in strike or to protest any non payment of salary “.

“I have already directed all DPS and Area Commanders to counsel them men and ensure peace and stability. I warn all officers and men to be obedient and loyal to the constitutes authorities. We are law abiding citizens and our job is maintain peace and orderliness. So, how can we embark on strike.

“No where Policemen in Borno State were protesting stating that “the video was the protest by Mobile policemen since 2nd July 2018″, Umar said.

The CP also said that the rumour that some policemen were planning to stage a protest is baseless and unfounded in Borno State, noting that he had had interactions with officers and sent messages to all police formations in the state.

“I want to make it categorically clear that Members of the Police force in Borno State have no intention whatsoever and were not part of the purported attempt to demonstrate as members of Nigeria Police force.

“The rumour has been going the round that of the 26th of March 2022, some members of the Police Force will embark on Strike Action. The essence of this press briefing is to disabuse the mind of the public and let them know there’s no such plan whatsoever”, Umar said.