The Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris has warned new police constables against any act of corruption and indiscipline capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police.

At the passing out 854 constables from the Police College in Oji River, Enugu State on Friday, Idris said that the police authorities would not fail to bring the full weight of the service law on any erring personnel.

Idris said that the constables must discharge their duties in total obedience to the rule of law, while ensuring that human rights of any member of the public is respected.

“You must put in your best to ensure that you discharge your duties faithful as the expectations of the public from you is high.

“The police cannot afford to disappoint the public by allowing crime and criminality to strive.

“You will be confronted with a lot of challenges, some friendly and others hostile.

“You may be faced with a situation where you are requested to bend the rules for either financial or material benefits.

“No matter what the promises are, you should not succumb to such demands,” Idris, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General in-charge of Research and Planning, Mr Valentine Ntomchukwu, warned.

The police boss commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving and facilitating the recruitment and training of 10,000 new police personnel at the rank and file levels in 2016.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to recruit additional 31,000 policemen in the next five years in order to ensure that the Force meets the basic one policeman to 400 residents ratio recommended by the United Nations.

Earlier, the Commandant of the College, Mr Anthony Ogboji had said that the institution had prepared the constables for the Herculean task ahead, as well as equipping them with all knowledge on policing law and the constitution.

“Here are crops of professionally trained and groomed constables, endowed with youthful zeal and energy to serve our dear nation at the pressing time when their service is greatly needed,” Ogboji, who is a Commissioner of Police, said.

The commandant thanked the IGP, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State for their continuous support to the college.

One of the new constables, Mr Obed Onyeagoro thanked the college for grooming them as well as guiding aright with love and patient during their training at the college.

Four of the recruits were discharged in the course of the nine months training due to indiscipline, while two to stay back at the college for three months to serve various punishments.

Highlights of the event were the presentation of gifts to five most outstanding recruits and a group photograph with Ntomchukwu, who also doubles as the DIG in-charge of the South-East.

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