Niger: Police ban land cases, restrict tactical units in major internal reforms
Niger State Police Commissioner Issues Directive to Enforce Operational Standards
MINNA, Niger State — The Commissioner of Police for the Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has announced a comprehensive directive aimed at reinforcing operational conduct within the police force. This initiative seeks to diminish instances of authority abuse and ensure strict adherence to constitutional policing standards.
The directive was delivered during the command’s monthly strategic conference, held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Minna. The meeting included participation from Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers.
During the conference, Elleman emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and human rights compliance, reiterating the Inspector-General of Police’s mandate to maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption. He cautioned officers against incivility, abuse of office, and inadequate supervision of subordinates.
A significant aspect of the directive involves the prohibition of police involvement in land dispute cases. Elleman stated that such disputes are civil matters that should be resolved in competent courts rather than through police intervention.
He clarified, however, that police may intervene only in cases where criminal elements, such as forgery, criminal trespass, or malicious damage, are evident.
Furthermore, the Commissioner expressed his firm stance against unlawful or prolonged detention of suspects without court authorization. He reminded officers of the constitutional presumption of innocence and stressed the necessity for thorough and lawful investigations.
Elleman also announced restrictions on the establishment of tactical teams within the command. All operations related to violent crime response will now fall under a single, structured unit that will follow defined procedures and undergo mandatory training, promoting professionalism and accountability.
To enhance operational efficiency, he urged Divisional Police Officers to enhance personnel supervision, implement performance indicators, and ensure rigorous investigations to prevent wrongful arrests and weak prosecutions.
