Arase out, Idris in as Police chief

IGP Idris

Hafiz Ringim

 Hafiz Ringim enlisted as a cadet Inspector on March 1, 1977. He rose through the ranks to become the IGP when he succeeded Onovo on September 10, 2010. His tenure witnessed, perhaps, the most daring security affront with the bombing of a section of the Force Headquarters by suspected Boko Haram fundamentalists. Many other bombings were recorded throughout his tenure. The most dastardly ones being the 2011 Christmas Day bombing at the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, near Abuja, which claimed over 40 lives and that of Kano that claimed at least 185 lives. He retired on January 25, 2012.

Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar

 Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar took over from Ringim in an acting capacity on January 25, 2012. He was AIG in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi in the Northeast. He identified corruption, inadequate training and absence of tactics and equipment, among others as the bane of the Force but did little to solve the problems. He introduced the new “camouflage” uniform similar to that used by the military, for the police. However, Abubakar would be remembered for his cancellation of police road blocks allegedly used by officers to extort road users. His efforts to extend his tenure beyond 35 years in the service was turned down by former President Jonathan.

Suleiman Abba,

2014-2015

 Just as unheralded as he came, Suleiman Abba, who was the 17th IGP, was fired by President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday, April 21. Before his appointment, Abba was the AIG in charge of Zone 7, comprising Abuja and environs. Like Ringim, he hailed from Jigawa State and was promoted above his seniors as AIG.

Solomon Arase 2015-2016

Edo State-born Solomon Ehigiator Arase took over as acting IGP from Abba as the 18th indigenous police chief on April 21 last year.  His appointment was later confirmed by the Council of State Assembly. Before his appointment, Arase was head of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID). He has Bachelors and Masters degrees in Law and Political Science & Strategic Studies. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence College. Unlike his immediate predecessor, Arase was appointed from the rank of DIG and was inherited by President Muhammadu Buhari, who did not only retained him, but gave him a handshake for a job well-done on the eve of his retirement on Monday. His tenure recorded landmarks in the arrests of kidnappers and bank robbers.

Ibrahim Kpotum Idris 2016 –

Born in Niger State, Idris is taking the mantle from Arase in an acting capacity. He was accompanied to President Muhammadu Buhari’s office yesterday by his predecessor for his new rank decoration. Idris will remain in acting capacity until the Police Council confirms him and later ratified by the Council of State. From the position of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police (Operations), Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, has emerged the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP). The new IGP has promised to lead the Force by internationally recognised core values of policing.  He has also promised to make †integrity and accountability his trademarks.  Idris told State House reporters in Abuja yesterday that the issues of respect for diversity, compassion and ensuring safe streets, neighbourhoods and communities will be priorities. He promised that his tenure will do everything possible to ensure that the best service is provided for the country. For Idris, who served in various commands and formations in the Nigerian Police Force, working in the Police Mobile Force for 17 years as Unit Commander, Squadron Commander and Commandant, the journey into the future began yesterday.