The Inspector-General of Police ( I-G), Mr Ibrahim Idris said that nothing would distract the Nigeria Police Force from carrying out its constitutional duties.
Idris said this while receiving members of the I Stand with the Nigeria Police Forum, led by Its Convener, Mr Ugboma Stephen, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The forum was on a solidarity march to the police and the Inspector-General of Police.
The I-G was represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operation, Mr Joshack Habila.
“The police will not be effective without the cooperation and active participation of the citizens of this country,”he said.
He said that constructive criticisms from the members of the public would further encourage the force to effectively discharge its duties.
The police boss urged the group to extend same support given to the police to the Federal Government.
Idris commended the three arms of government for their continued support, adding that the force was opened to advice from members of the public.
He said that the force was committed to provide security for all Nigerians.
Earlier, Stephen, Convener of the forum, called on the National Assembly to expeditiously pass the Nigeria Police Development Fund bill.
The bill seeks to establish the Nigeria Police Development Fund, NPDF.
The bill also proposes N540 billion annually to fund the Nigeria Police Force for enhanced provision of security.
He said that the need to adequately fund the police was not in doubt to tackle the security challenges in the country.
The convener called on members of the National Assembly to think of ways to allocate adequate funds to the police instead of distracting them.
He said that the Nigeria police was working under very difficult conditions compared to their counterparts in the developed countries.
Ugboma called on Nigerians to support the police for them to effectively discharge their duty without fear or favour. (NAN)