Police lose 435 men in six months -IGP

Chief Amitolu, IGP Arase and Oba Aromolaran on the occasion 

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase Monday disclosed that 435 policemen and officers lost their lives in the last six months while performing their lawful duties.

Arase said this in Osogbo during a meeting with Osun State Chapter of Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) and urged people at community level to support the Nigeria police in fighting crime.

The police boss insisted that community policing is a panacea to the eradication of crime and urged royal fathers and community leaders in the state to assist the police in their respective domain.

The IGP also noted that the Nigerian Police Force lacks the numerical strength that is required to cover every nook and cranny of the country without the help of the community people.

While speaking, Osun State Chairman of the PCRC, Comrade Amitolu Shittu urged the IG to ensure creation of five additional Area Commands in Osun to aid the job of the police in the state.

He noted that the three existing Area Commands in Osogbo, Ile-Ife and Ilesa are not sufficient enough to cater for the population of the state as new communities keep springing up.

According to Shittu, "I want to appreciate the efforts of the officers and men of the Osun State Command in their efforts in reducing crime in this state. We have noted the steps taken by our highly disciplined IGP since assumption of duty and we appreciate.

Shittu told the IGP that his prompt intervention in securing the freedom of Chief Olu Falae was commendable and served as a signal to the kidnappers and other criminals that tackling security is no longer business as usual.