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Zero Tolerance for Corruption: Argungu’s Initiative Inspires Police Reforms
By prince Benson Davies
The war against official corruption in the police, the battle cry of DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd., mni, Chairman, Police Service Commission, is spreading like wildfire, with the dividends already trickling down.
DIG Argungu declared at his assumption of office that he would not tolerate corruption at the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force and quickly launched a whistleblowing policy in the Commission.
He had also presented himself for official scrutiny and declared that if found wanting in the line of duty, the whistle should be blown on him.
The Commission has recently noted some positive signals from Nigerian police officers who have stood against corruption despite tempting offers.
The PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd., mni, in reaction to the pleasant developments, said it is a battle that must be won in the interest of the Nigerian nation.
The Commission notes the recent rejection of the whopping sum of N174 million by detectives of the Raider team from Zone 2 Command Lagos and the swift recovery of N10 million from some policemen from Zone 16 Command Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as refreshing signposts of the deepening of his zero tolerance for corruption in the service.
CSP Ngozi Braide had led her team from Zone 2 Lagos to arrest a suspected Internet fraudster, Patrick Akpoguma, in Lagos and courageously played along, collecting a huge sum of 100,000 dollars, the equivalent of N174 million in bribes, which she subsequently registered as evidence and arrested the fraudster for investigation.
DIG Argungu wishes to commend the Inspector General of Police for the current positive dispositions of the officers and men against the lure of corruption.
He assured that police officers who distinguish themselves and take the war against corruption to the next level would in no time be recognised by the Commission and appropriate benefits extended to them.
The PSC Chairman said although the Commission will not engage in special promotions, it has the powers to give accelerated promotions based on merit and performance.
He tasked police Officers to continue to do their best to advance the nation’s security architecture. DIG Argungu noted that Nigeria must be freed of insurgency and terror.
