Buhari appoints Ibrahim Kpotum Idris as acting IG

New acting inspector-general of police Mr. Ibrahim Kpotun Idris (right) being congratulated by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House Abuja PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA

President Muhammadu Buhari has named Mr. Ibrahim Kpotum Idris as the new Ag. Inspector-General of Police, (Ag. IGP). He is succeeding Mr. Solomon Arase, who retired yesterday having clocked 60 years of age.

Until his appointment Idris, from Niger State was an Assistant Inspector-General, (AIG) in charge of Federal Operations at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. Before his promotion as the AIG, he was the police commissioner in Nasarawa and Kano State Police Commands in the space of last two years.

The new helmsman was escorted to the Presidential Villa by the out-going IGP, at about 2.20 pm, in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with registration number, NPF 03-34.

Arase later introduced his successor to the state House correspondents after emerging from a private meeting with Buhari at about 3 pm, said Ibrahim would be confirmed by the Police Council the Police Council and subsequently ratified by the Council of State.

He thanked Nigerians for the cooperation given him while he served as Inspector General of Police while also soliciting support for his successor.

“I want to also appeal to you to give the same support that you gave to me to my successor. He is a younger man so I am sure he will be abreast with the contemporary policing issues.”

Ibrahim, in his short remark, said he would lead the force that would make integrity, honesty, and sincerity of purpose as its core values.

His words: “Honestly, my idea is about collective leadership. The Nigerian police is going to be governed by internationally recognised core values of policing ‎everywhere in the world: that is the issue of integrity and accountability, the issue of respect for diversity, the issue of compassion, issues of ensuring that our streets, our neighbourhoods, our communities remain safe.

“We are going to do everything possible to ensure that we provide the best service to this country.”

A member of the ASP Cadet Course of 1984, Ibrahim has held command positions especially in the Mobile Police Force units in Police Training Institutions and in the State’s Commands.

The new acting IGP had equally seen service outside the shores of the country. Among others, he severed as Mission Police Operation Coordinator of the United Nations Mission in Liberia and as Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations, UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).