For the first time since his posting as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, on Monday held a meeting with MOPOL Squadron Commanders across the country at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Addressing media men at the Conference Hall of the Force Headquarters, IGP Arase said the meeting was held to review the operations of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) in the face of present security challenges facing the nation. He also said the meeting was held to look at strategic and operational issues associated with the forthcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

Providing additional information in a statement she issued yesterday, Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Olabisi Kolawole, said the IGP informed the Squadron Commanders that the country is counting on their strength, commitment and loyalty as the elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states draw closer, while the Force management deploys credible officers to the affected states. She quoted the IGP as saying: “Our resolve and competence will once again be tested in this onerous assignment,” adding that he eulogised the professionalism of the PMF.

According to Ag. ACP Olabisi Kolawole, “IGP Arase further told the PMF Commanders that the reason for the parley, aside analysing operational trends of the Squadrons, was to brainstorm and fashion out a robust template that will ensure that the forthcoming elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states come, free, fair and creditably transparent.

“He also used the occasion to tell the nation that the Nigeria Police, being the custodian of our internal security, is mapping out ways to deploy men to liberated areas in the North-East, saying logistics and men deployed must be in upmost shape and competent.”

•Photo shows IGP Arase.