The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has set up a Special dedicated Investigation Team to immediately commence thorough investigation into all cases of alleged sexual abuses, exploitation, harassments, gender based violence and professional misconduct on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in some of North-eastern States.
The panel follows the allegations contained in a report published by the Human Right Watch against camp officials, vigilante groups, soldiers and policemen among others.
The IGP who, according to a statement by Don Awunah, Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, is irrevocably committed to the protection of all Nigerians most especially vulnerable group such as Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) has expressed deep concern over the submissions in the report and has directed the Special Investigation Panel to carry out a discreet and unbiased investigation into all the cases of abuse and misconduct alleged in the report.
However, the IGP has called on Human Right Watch officials to avail the investigation team more facts that will assist the Police investigation team conclude the inquiry into the alleged 43 cases mentioned in the Human Right Watch (HRW) report.
The IGP has also directed Commissioners of Police in locations where IDP Camps are situated to beef up security and ensure adequate safety of all IDPs and ensure that all perpetrators of any criminal act are decisively dealt with in accordance to the law. The IGP further urge all police officers and other personnel deployed to the IDP camps to strictly adhere to the rules of engagement.
The Nigeria Police Force, according to the statement, assured all Nigerians and the International community that the Force will not condone any act that violate the human dignity of the IDPs by individuals or group of persons in the IDP camps or anywhere in the country.
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