The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is the principal law enforcement agency in the country with a staff strength of 371,800. It has staff deployment across the 36 states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). There have been several security challenges which cut across the nooks and crannies of the country and the rate is so alarming. Terrorism, Kidnapping, Armed robbery, Banditry, suicide bombing, religious killings, ethnic clashes and all other forms of criminal activities have become increasingly regular occurrences that characterized life in the nation. There is no doubt that being the first responders of law enforcement, the Nigeria Police is left with no choice than to fight these insecurities in the most populous country in Africa which has consistently ranked low the Global Peace Index (GPI).
In the fight against COVID-19, there have been directives by the President and State Governors to restrict movement of people as a way to curb the spread of the virus. The Police who are the first responders to enforcing these directives have been actively ensuring that residents do not violate the stay-at-home directives.
More so, these stay-at-home and lockdown directives are likely to trigger significant changes in their patrol allocations as they can be called upon at any point to go to locations where their services may be needed to enforce social distancing as part of efforts to limit the spread of the disease.
In a statement made by the Inspector General of Police, he cautioned Police Officers not to conduct unnecessary arrests and detention of suspects as they work to enforce social distancing. He also directed that they strictly enforce all legitimate orders made to contain the spread of the virus while urging citizens to voluntarily comply.
EFFECTS:
Since the Nigeria Police Force is committed to providing support and aid in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic during the lockdown period, we cannot overlook the challenges and the health hazards that Police officers are facing in the rapidly changing environment and systems of operation which often lead to exposure to persons with and without the virus. Without overemphasizing the risk their families will also face during this period as they will be away from home and may not be able to be with their families as it would be unsafe to relate with them after their interaction with the public. Sadly, a case was reported about a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bissong in charge of investigation and Intelligence in Edo state who died of complication from the dreaded COVID-19, he was reported to be the first documented security personnel to be infected with the virus in Nigeria.
Several measures have been put in place by the NCDC and WHO such as washing of hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering of the nose and mouth properly with tissues when sneezing and/or coughing or the use of alcohol based hand sanitizers, wearing of face masks, intensified exit and entry screening and social distancing which is the avoidance of crowded places. In order to enforce the latter, it is essential that the Police who are the first responders to enforcing these directives also observe these safety measures as they are more at risk to the virus due to their interaction with the public. The government has been called upon to provide palliatives, welfare packages, hazard allowances, and testing for the Police officers in view and also that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs and health kits be put in place for officers who are out enforcing the lockdown in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
At this critical time, we call on the Federal and State governments to make adequate provisions to the Nigeria Police Force in the fight against this deadly disease as most of them do not have access to the basic things they need for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do you know any Police station close to you?
Do they have running water?
Do they have face masks to help reduce the risk of contracting the virus?
Do they have the required PPE to keep them safe from contracting the virus?
There is the need for all NGOs, CSOs private organizations and individuals to locate any Police station nearest to them and provide palliatives as the police have and will continue to be in the front line towards our safety.
Find below the list of Police Divisional Headquarters in the FCT
1. Abaji Division Police Headquarter
Address: Abuja, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
2. Asokoro Division Police Headquarter
Address: Keffi/Nyanya Road, A.Y.A, Asokoro, Abuja
3. Bwari Division Police
Address: Abuja, Bwari, FCT, Nigeria
4. Federal Secretariat Division Police Headquarter
Address; Federal Secretariat Complex, Shehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja
5. Garki, Divisional Police Headquarters, Abuja
Address: Garki II, Garki, Abuja
6. Gwagwalada Division Police Headquarter
Address: Specialist Hospital Road, Gwagwalada, Abuja
7. Gwarimpa Division Police Headquarter
Address: 17Th, Road Opp.Fha, Gwarimpa, Abuja.
8. Gwarimpa, Police Divisional Headquarters, Abuja
Address: Life Camp, Gwarimpa, Abuja
9. Karmo Division Police Headquarter
Address: Abuja, Karmo, FCT, Nigeria
10. Lugbe, FHA, Abuja Division Police Headquarter
Address: Lugbe Estate Phase 1, Airport, Lugbe, Asokoro, Abuja
11. Maitama Division Police Headquarter
Address :30, Nile Street,Off Alvan Ikoku Way, Maitama, Abuja.
12. National Assembly Division Police Headquarter
Address: National Assembly, Three Arms Zone, Maitama, Abuja
13. Nigeria Police Post Division Headquarter
Address: Constitution Avenue, Central Business District, Central, Abuja.
14. Nigerian Police Force (NPF)
Address: Shehu Shagari Way, Force Head Quarters,
Louise Edet House, Central, Abuja
15. Nigerian Police Force Headquarters
Address: Shehu Shagari Way, Force Head Quarters,
Louise Edet House, Central, Abuja
Email: fpro@nigeriapolice.org
16. Utako Divisional Police Headquarters
Address: 7, I.V.M, Osissogou Crescent, Utako District, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
17. Zone 7 Division Police Headquarter, Abuja
Address: zone 7 headquarters, Wuse Zone 3, Wuse, Abuja
18. Zuba Division Police Headquarter
Address: Abuja, Zuba, FCT, Nigeria