Extortion, rights abuse signs of unprofessionalism in police, DIG

Extortion, human rights abuses, and other misconducts by police personnel are clear indicators of unprofessionalism and indiscipline, according to Deputy Inspector-General of Police Zachariah Fera-Achinyan. Speaking at a consultative meeting in Gombe State, Fera-Achinyan, who oversees the Force Intelligence Department, stressed that officers engaging in such acts often live beyond their legitimate means.

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A disciplined policeman is always a disciplined policeman. A disciplined policeman is a professional policeman. A professional policeman is a complete policeman

"A disciplined policeman is always a disciplined policeman. A disciplined policeman is a professional policeman. A professional policeman is a complete policeman," he stated. Fera-Achinyan explained that professionalism in policing demands sacrifice and contentment. He advised the public to be wary of officers whose lifestyles do not match their salaries, suggesting this is a primary driver of extortion.

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If you see a policeman indulging in acts of extortion, that policeman is not a good manager of resources. You see a policeman wearing the rank of a corporal and living like a DSP. His salary cannot measure up to that lifestyle, and that tendency is the main driver of extortion

He urged the public to recognize such conduct as a departure from the profession's ethics. "So, a policeman who extorts, something should ring a bell in your brain that he is not a professional policeman. A professional policeman will live within his means," Achinyan added. He recalled a past culture of modesty within the Force, where officers were encouraged to live within their earnings.

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So, a policeman who extorts, something should ring a bell in your brain that he is not a professional policeman. A professional policeman will live within his means

Fera-Achinyan also condemned other forms of misconduct, including abuse of human rights, drinking while on duty, and poor personal appearance. "A policeman who extorts money, abuses human rights, drinks while on duty or wears a tattered uniform is not a professional policeman. Run away from such police officers because the moment a police officer is shabbily dressed, he behaves shabbily," he asserted. He acknowledged the challenge of manpower shortage in the Nigeria Police Force, noting the country falls short of the UN's recommended police-to-population ratio.

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A policeman who extorts money, abuses human rights, drinks while on duty or wears a tattered uniform is not a professional policeman. Run away from such police officers because the moment a police officer is shabbily dressed, he behaves shabbily.