We will withdraw assault rifles and introduce rubber bullets- Abubakar

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar has said that the police is presently working on an initiative to ensure that the regular usage of assault rifles is stopped with the introduction of an alternative rubber bullet to combat crime in the country. Abubakar, was in Calaber for a stakeholder’s meeting with representatives of different groups inthe society including religious groups on Thursday affirmed that the police and other security agencies will not give up in its effort towards wiping out terrorists and criminals from the country. In the meeting attended by representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Muslim communities, the business community and youth groups from Cross River, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom and Ebonyi states, the IG said for police to enjoy the friendship of the people, there must be a total reforms in line with the 21st century order. Abubakar said the introduction of the Rubber assault rifles would be in line with what is obtainable everywhere in the world, stating that the ban on roadblock will remain till the end of his tenure. “Very soon, the use of assault rifles will be off the roads. We would now be using rubber bullets if we are to fight crime and this is meant to disable criminals. The Police and the environment where they work should be people-friendly and Nigerians should feel comfortable when they approach a policeman or walk into the station. “Road blocks are gone for good and what we will have now are patrol teams. The mounting of road blocks did a lot of damage to the image of the country and we must correct that. Road blocks had always been when armed robbers and kidnappers were operating freely and will be bribing them. This is the only country in the world where police mount check points using heavy drums and woods among others to block the road,” he said. “The intention of the present administration in the Police is to build a Force that will protect Nigeria, provide safety her citizens and guaranty the unity of the country. I want to have the police that will not harass the citizens, a force that Nigeria will be proud of in the 21st century,” he IG had asserted.