Baba, who spoke at a media briefing at the State House, Abuja, also justified the engagement of criminals in negotiations by security agencies to secure release of kidnap victims.

decision to establish a team to make holistic assessment from the various narratives to ascertain the true picture and prevent a reoccurrence.

The IGP said, “On how realistic it is in stopping the issue of violence in our political agenda either in rallies or campaigns, well, it takes two to tango. There are laid down means, ways, procedures to do rallies and campaigns.

“On our part, we have gone out to appeal to politicians to play the game by the rules. And at the same time, allow us to regulate political processions, campaigns and rallies, to avoid clashes and so forth.”

The IGP said the alleged abuse of power by a local security outfit, Ebubeagu, in Ebonyi State and similar activities were being checked.

He said, “I think I have even made announcements earlier than even their letter. On the day of the signing of the peace accord, I observed that we have not less than 64 security outfits that have been created by different state governors with names for different purposes.

“But most importantly, the crime prevention and space is so wide, that we are encouraging everybody to come in. And that is why we said policing is something that requires the contribution of everybody.

“So, while these outfits have been created to checkmate crime and criminality, we have also told them that they are not to be used for politicking or to be used for political reasons.”

He confirmed that some aspects of police duties had been commercialised to generate more revenue through the Police Specialised Automated Services (POSSAB) portal but added that the service had been abused.

Baba, however, dismissed the suggestion that unscrupulous persons could use the portal to gain protection from the police.

He said he was against the withdrawal of security personnel attached to VIPs, saying some of them may be exposed to dangers.

According to him, “On the issue of security personnel being attached to VIPs to be withdrawn, for every rule there are exemptions, these people need to be protected, but we try to do it with all sense of humility. VIPs need to be protected, because some people, if left unattended to, can be easy target and we will make too much noise.

“So, we’re not withdrawing personnel, or I am not of the view of completely withdrawing security aides from VIPs. But that we will manage what we have and also checkmate crime and criminality without actually leaving them bare.”