One Year in Office: IGP Usman Alkali Baba Celebrates Giant Stride In Nigeria’s Security 

By: Oladapo Sofowora

It’s exactly one year today the 6th of April since Usman Alkali Baba was appointed as the Inspector General of Police IGP. Baba has been working tirelessly round the clock to ensure that the security of lives and properties in Nigeria is totally taken care of. On his appointment as the IGP last year, he made a promise to make Nigeria unbearable for criminals and economic saboteurs. Within a year in charge as the number one cop in Nigeria, the change recorded under his watch is quite enormous. He ensured that Nigeria’s internal security is properly manned by men loaded with professional conduct and enthusiasm.

Despite some unscrupulous elements trying hard to discredit his hard work, his proactive measures and his on-ground assessment of any crisis, using technologically advanced equipment to fight insecurity has stood him out from the crowd. Like a man diligent in his business. Alkali is not that type of Cop that sits in his office and gives orders to his men. He leads by example which is the sterling quality of a leader in any establishment. This is quite evident as he personally visited the Kaduna train Bombsite where he has called for the deployment of more men so as to avert the possible future reoccurrence of bandit attacks.

When it comes to the Policing Job, IGP Baba knows it like the back of his hand. No wonder just after a year in charge, he is gradually excelling in the policing business leaving indelible marks proferring lasting solutions to security issues in Nigeria. A detribalized man by all standards, he believes in merit, capacity and hard work as a yardstick for every promotion.  He has never allowed religious or tribal sentiment drives his judgment of issues and situation. He strongly believes in the ‘One Nigeria’ dream. This has shown in his various appointments giving everybody a level playing ground.

In his capacity as IGP, Baba has ensured the Police force is given a new face with pragmatic ideas and innovative ways of tackling securities issues in the country, bringing into play his wealth of experience in the police force having served in various capacities with vast knowledge as an enforcement officer with numerous awards to his credit. His astronomic rise in the police force was said to have occurred with dedication and selfless service to the Police force having displayed utmost professionalism and uprightness in every capacity he has acted most especially as Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG Zone 5 in charge of Edo, Bayelsa, Delta states. This was one of the reasons he was appointed to tackle insecurity in the country.

IGP Usman Alkali Baba

To the chagrin of his detractors, He is currently excelling in his quest to bring insecurity to a halt. Under the Yobe state-born cop’s watch, he ensured improvement of the Police welfare package and working conditions with the recent distribution of new kits and also moving for an increment in salary. He constantly engages the masses in a synergy between opinion leaders and community leaders in achieving a security-conscious environment. He believes that tackling insecurity in the country; is a collective effort from all sundry. Following the popular quote that; ‘Police is your friend’, He has also ensured a smooth and friendly relationship between citizens and the police. This gave birth to his quest to end extortion, intimidation and unprofessional conduct by some police officers in the system. He has secured trial and dismissed those found guilty of extortion and other kinds of allegations. Despite being supportive, friendly and jovial; he does not joke at work. He is a no-nonsense disciplinarian. To further take his fight against extortion one step ahead, he recently launch an application where public complaints and emergencies can be lodged for further actions.

Sources said; His quick response to issues of security matters has been applauded and his supportive nature has made his men dedicated to the work of policing. “With the recent deployment of the newly acquired UAV’s Drove, ALTI Transition, Elistair Orion Fixed-Wing Aircraft these will aid in the fight against crime through aerial support. “The police Drone pilots have undergone training on how to fly the new technology equipment which will be useful in detecting areas where crime are taking place and also point out to areas that needed to be ransacked to curb insecurity.”