NDDC BOSS CALLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHECKS FOR POLICE OFFICERS

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, is urging Nigerians to work together with the Nigeria Police Force in the fight against crime and other vices in the society.

Ogbuku made the call while speaking at the fifth edition of the Strategic Security Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the theme ‘Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity through Inclusive Policing’.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt earlier this week by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

While advocating mental evaluation for officers and men of the police, the NDDC MD thanked officers of the Nigeria Police Force for the sacrifices they make in securing the country, noting that inclusive policing involves all citizens. The NDDC boss further beckoned on Nigerians to contribute to the success of police operations, stating that they can either report crimes or cooperate with officers by giving useful information that will aid the force in solving crimes and tracking criminals.

Ogbuku also stated that the retreat, put together by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, would bring about renewed vigour in policing the country. Furthering, he encouraged the Police Authority to evaluate the mental health of its officers through psychological testing which according to him, is to ensure that emotional intelligence is at play during the exercise of their duties.

The NDDC boss highlighted measures the Commission had taken to support the security agency pointing out the current installation of 60kva solar inverters in Police Headquarters in the nine states of the Niger Delta region, the supply of communication gadgets to the Rivers Police State Command and the repair of the failed mast and armoured personnel carriers in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

He added the provision of a six 250-horsepower Yamaha outboard engines and the rehabilitation of six of the outboard engines to combat crime in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta region at large.

Ogbuku noted that the donations underscored the partnership between the NDDC and the Police Force in the Niger Delta region.