Boko Haram: I Never Met With Bomber – Ringim

Posted by admin Boko Haram, Latest Politics, Nigerian Police Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

The inspector- general of police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, yesterday denied meeting with the suspected member of Boko Haram who bombed the Force Headquarters, even as a review of the force’s mode of operation commences.

The review comes as pressure continues to mount on the IGP, following failure of the police to curb the menace of militant Islamic group, Boko Haram that has continued to hold the country hostage since its first uprising in July, 2009.

Addressing commissioners of police and other senior police officers yesterday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Ringim said: “The last blast was sadly a wake-up call and we need to rise up to the challenge.

“Taking cognisance of the incident, there is urgent need to review security situation in the country as well as plot how the police and other law enforcement agencies will tackle it.”

The police boss, apologised for the late commencement of the meeting – it was scheduled for 10am but started at about 1:50pm after it was moved from the earlier date of Monday. He said it was as a result of ‘lots of activities’ in the force, given the critical period it was in.

“First I want to start by apologising to invited members of the press and other members of the public present here. There has been delay in this address which is occasioned by lot of activities. As you are aware, this is a period that is very critical to the Nigeria Police Force.

“We invited you here this afternoon to share with you the experience of the last blast as well as to afford you the opportunity to get first-hand information of the damage caused by the blast and also draw some lessons,” the IGP said.

He disclosed that the senior police officers who were invited to the meeting, given their efforts and years of experience in law enforcement, would have lots of contribution to make in the efforts to chart a new course.

“I have seen the wonderful work that your various committees have put up and I am indeed pleased to announce that God willing when we adhere to some of your recommendations we shall certainly move forward,” he said.

He condoled with the country and the police force over the loss of, “our gallant people in the last explosion at the police headquarters’ premises.

“Similarly I want to condole with the family of the late Dattim Nangwor, the gallant officer that lost his life in order to save us all.”

Ringim, in a press statement signed by the force public relations officer (FPRO), Mr. Olusola Amore, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP), said the bomber did not visit the IGP’s house and was neither attended to by the police boss nor was he asked to follow the convoy.

He stated: “The story in its entirety is false, mischievous and capable of misleading the reading public. He argued that the investigation team set up by the IGP to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the incident and to unearth those behind the act was yet to submit its report.

“For the avoidance of doubt, investigation into this incident is of top priority in the mind of the IGP and his management team and they are doing all within the purview of the law to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice,” the spokesperson stated.
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