The Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim on Wednesday proceeded on a terminal leave with immediate effect, one month before he is due for retirement. This was disclosed in a press release from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati.
Mr Ringim’s sack may not be unconnected to his failure to produce Kabir Sokoto, the suspected mastermind of the Madalla Christmas day bomb blast.
Mr. Sokoto was alleged to have escaped from the police custody while he was being escorted to his house at Abaji, near Abuja for a search on his apartment to dig up evidences that could link him to the Madalla blast.
The former Inspector General of Police was consequently given 24 hours by the government to produce the suspected terrorist or face a sack.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade had issued the directive while also asking that Commissioner Zakari Biu, the senior police officer in charge of the suspect’s investigation be immediately detained.
The 24 hours deadline has expired without Mr Ringim producing the suspected terrorist thus leading to his sack.
M.D Abubakar is acting IGP
Mohammed D. Abubakar, an Assistant Inspector General of police, from Zamfara state, in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi has been named as the acting Inspector General of Police following the sack of Mr Ringim.
Born on May 5, 1958, Mr. Abubakar enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on July 30, 1979.
The President also approved the retirement of all Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIG) with immediate effect. Those affected include, Ivy Uche Okoronkwo, DIG POL 2i/c Force Headquarters, Abuja, Azubuko J. Udah, DIG Administration (“A” Dept), Sardauna Abubukar, DIG Training (“E” Dept.).
Others are Audu Abubakar, DIG Operations (“B” Dept); Saleh Abubakar, DIG Works (“C” Dept.) and Mohammed A. Yesufu, DIG Planning and Info-Tech (“F” Dept.).
The President has also established a Special Committee to oversee the urgent reorganization of the Nigeria Police Force. The committee is to be chaired by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Parry B.O Osayande, DIG (rtd).
