By Isaac Mission
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra State, Miller Gajere Dantawaye, has directed police officers in the state to stop the indiscriminate arrest and detention of suspects merely to satisfy complainants.
Dantawaye gave the warning during an official visit to the Anambra State Police Command in Awka, where he addressed officers and outlined his expectations for policing across the zone.
The AIG stressed that officers must conduct themselves with professionalism, discipline and respect for members of the public, noting that the era of impunity and unnecessary interference in public affairs would not be tolerated under his leadership.
According to him, the police are entrusted with protecting the people and must therefore maintain a high standard of civility when dealing with members of the public.
He also directed officers to pay greater attention to the cleanliness of their stations and personal appearance, warning that he could make unannounced visits to police formations within the zone.
Dantawaye said his administration would have zero tolerance for indiscipline and misconduct, adding that officers must work closely with residents of Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states to strengthen security and combat violent crime.
The AIG further advised police personnel to consider Alternative Dispute Resolution where appropriate rather than automatically resorting to arrest and detention.
He said some officers had developed the habit of arresting individuals simply because complainants demanded it, warning that such conduct would attract serious consequences.
“Every matter must not end in arrests and detention,” he said, urging officers to ensure that the police are not used as instruments for settling personal disputes or oppressing opponents.
Dantawaye also announced plans for additional professional training for officers across Zone 13. The training, he said, would cover areas including arms handling, intelligence gathering, investigation procedures and police administration.
He reiterated that the overall objective was to build a more disciplined, professional and people-oriented police force capable of effectively maintaining law and order across the zone.