The Federal Government, on Monday, revealed why it retained some Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) after the appointment of Usman Baba Alkali, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Speaking during the decoration of 24 newly promoted Commissioners of Police to AIGs, the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said the high level of insecurity made the government retain the senior police officers.

It was reported that no senior police officer with the rank of AIG or DIG went on compulsory leave when Baba was appointed police chief – the development that is contrary to the usual practice in the force.

Dingyadi stressed that was the first time of such development in recent history of the Nigerian Police Force.

He said, “The government deliberately took this position to have many hands in the force. With this action, the Police Force has retained experienced professionals that would contribute towards sustaining the relative peace of the country.”

The minister added that the criteria for the appointment of the new AIGs were purely on merit, professional conduct, and individual performance, urging the newly appointed AIGs to redouble their efforts to curb insecurity.

He reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed Salaries and Wages Commission to come out with new salary structure.

In his words, “To whom much is given, much is expected. Officers should re-double their effort in the fight against insecurity which had bedeviled the country today. A lot is expected of you in contributing your quota towards the sustainability of peace and unity in the country”.

Courtesy (excluding headline) Daily Trust