FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2025
CEHRAWS CALLS FOR URGENT TRANSFER OF OVERSTAYED DPOs AND OFFICERS IN ABIA STATE POLICE COMMAND TO PROTECT INTEGRITY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) expresses grave concern over credible reports indicating that several Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and rank-and-file officers within the Abia State Police Command have remained in the same divisions for prolonged periods, ranging from ten to fifteen years.
In many cases, they influence their way back if eventually transferred, which is contrary to best policing practices and extant regulations.
While continuity in leadership may sometimes foster stability, such extended tenures in a single jurisdiction invariably breed over familiarity with local residents, particularly with influential figures and, in some instances, individuals known to be connected with criminal enterprises. This scenario creates a fertile ground for compromise, impedes impartial investigations, and erodes public trust in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The Nigeria Police Act, 2020, under Section 7(1), mandates the Force to operate with the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and impartiality. Furthermore, the Police Force Orders and Instructions (PFOI), particularly Order No. 30, emphasize regular postings and rotations of officers to prevent the entrenchment of local alliances that may undermine law enforcement. The continued stay of officers beyond reasonable rotation periods constitutes an administrative breach and a potential threat to the principle of “operational neutrality” envisaged by the law.
In light of this, CEHRAWS calls on the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, to:
1. Conduct an immediate review of officer postings within the state to identify DPOs and officers who have overstayed their divisions.
2. Implement immediate transfers in line with Force Headquarters’ posting policy to safeguard against conflicts of interest and restore impartial policing.
3. Institutionalize a strict rotation policy that ensures no officer remains in one division beyond the statutory or administrative tenure provided in the Police Service Commission’s guidelines.
We wish to remind the Command that transfer is not punishment but a professional necessity that strengthens operational effectiveness, prevents corruption, and ensures that the police remain a trusted neutral arbiter in the communities they serve.
As a civil rights and good governance watchdog, CEHRAWS will not relent in its advocacy until systemic reforms, such as fair and periodic rotation of police personnel are implemented across Abia State and Nigeria at large.
We commend the Abia State Police Command’s ongoing efforts in combating crime, but urge that decisive action on this matter will further enhance public confidence and reinforce the commitment to impartial policing enshrined in our laws.
Signed:
Okoye, Chuka Peter
Executive Director – CEHRAWS
cehrawws@gmail.com | +234(0)803-552-9865.
