New Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, Talks Tough

Newly-appointed Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, today assumed office, promising to intensify the fight against crime in Nigeria. He succeed Mohammed Abubakar as the new head of the Nigerian police. Mr. Abba becomes the 17th Nigerian Inspector General of Police.

Abubakar served as the head of the Nigerian police from January 25, 2012 to July 31, 2014 when he retired after spending 35 years in the police.

The new IGP, who is from Jigawa State, earned degrees in history and law. He has attended numerous management and security courses in Nigeria and beyond, including attending the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru near Jos, capital of Plateau State.

Police spokesman Frank Mba described the new police head as possessing “vast experience in criminal investigation, intelligence-led policing and crime-fighting operations,” adding that Mr. Abba had the requisite preparation to tackle Nigeria’s “present challenges of terrorism, insurgency and other violent crimes.”

At the formal handing over ceremony, the outgoing IG urged all police officers to offer their full cooperation to his successor, adding that Mr. Abba was capable of taking the law enforcement agency to a greater height.

In his speech, Mr. Abba pledged to intensify the fight against crimes. He thanked President Jonathan for having confidence in him. He assured the public that he would focus on creating a safe and secure environment for all citizens. In addition, he said he would make Nigeria’s police “a leading national, professional and efficient law enforcement organization.”

Until his appointment as IGP, Abba headed Zone 7 of the Nigerian police comprising Abuja, Kaduna and Niger police commands. His career as a police officer begun in December 1984 when he enlisted as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.