The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim k. Idris has set
up a Special dedicated Investigation Team to immediately
commence thorough Investigation into all cases of alleged
sexual abuses, exploitation, harassments, gender based
violence and professional misconduct on Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some of North-eastern States
contained in a report published by the Human Right Watch
against Camp officials, vigilante groups, Soldiers and
Policemen among others.
A Press release signed by Force Public Relations Officer,
DSP Don Awunah said the IGP who is irrevocably committed
to the protection of all Nigerians most especially vulnerable
group such as Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) has
expressed deep concern over the submissions in the report
and has directed the Special Investigation Panel to carry out
a discreet and unbiased investigation into all the cases of
abuse and misconduct alleged in the report.
However, the IGP has called on Human Right Watch officials
to avail the investigation team more facts that will assist the
Police investigation team conclude the inquiry into the
alleged forty three (43) cases mentioned in the Human Right
Watch (HRW) report.
The IGP has also directed Commissioners of Police in
locations where IDP Camps are situated to beef up security
and ensure adequate safety of all IDPs and ensure that all
perpetrators of any criminal act are decisively dealt with in
accordance to the law. The IGP further urge all police
officers and other personnel deployed to the IDP camps to
strictly adhere to the rules of engagement.
The Nigeria Police Force assures all Nigerians and the
International community that the Force will not condone any
act that violate the human dignity of the IDPs by individuals
or group of persons in the IDP camps or anywhere in the
country.
