IG Sets up Crack Investigation Team over Abuja Policemen Killings

Apparently rattled by last Monday night killings of seven Police officers at Galadimawa Roundabout, Abuja, by unknown gunmen, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, on Thursday set up a special crack team to dig up those behind the killings.

The investigation team headed by a Commissioner of Police has been given 21 days to smoke out those responsible for the murderous act.

A statement from the Force headquarters said the police boss set up the investigation detectives, Police Scene of Crime Experts and Technical Intelligence Unit of the Force to investigate the attack and killing that took place on July 2 by bandits.

 According to the statement, “This specialised investigation team is headed by an experienced, crime bursting and a seasoned investigator, CP Bala Ciroma.

“Ciroma is to be assisted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the IG Special Tactical Squad (STS); Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations FCT Police Command; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Police Forensic Department; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Police Central Criminal Registry; Assistant Commissioner of Police, 2I/C IGP Intelligence Response Team; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Federal SARS and Chief Superintendent of Police, IGP-SEC.’’

The statement signed by the Force PRO, acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, added that the team that had already commenced investigation had been directed by the IG to complete the assignment within 21 days.

The statement added: “The mandates of the special investigation team are as follows: A thorough and discreet investigation of the ambush attack and killing of seven policemen on duty on  July 2, 2018, by armed robbers/bandits at Galadimawa roundabout, Abuja; the team is to unravel, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the killings as well as detect the motives behind the ambush and killing of the seven policemen.

“Furthermore, the team will work with the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, in the investigation of the incident; the team will take over further investigation into the killings from the FCT CIID, and take any other instruction from the IG in ensuring the prompt resolution of the crime to bring the perpetrators to justice.’’

The team is expected to obtain evidence, receive complaints and information from public spirited individuals or any other member of the public with useful information that can assist them in their investigation, while also expecting to proffer strategies and recommendations to forestall similar attack in the future.

“The Inspector General of Police hereby implores members of the public in Abuja to cooperate with the investigation team. Any member of the public with useful information about the killing will be appreciated and can use the following Numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938 and 07057337653 to reach the investigation team,” the statement added.

The statement said the Force would not relent, despite the attack, in its renewed commitment in crime prevention and control and adequate protection of lives and property throughout the country, and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are brought to justice and on time.