The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase, at the weekend, said the force would continue to dismantle roadblocks, because they have proven to be ineffective means of policing.
Mr Arase also said plans were underway for the implementation of a reform in the police, including human rights and intelligence gathering.
The IGP, who spoke shortly after a ceremony organised in his honour by the Ora-Ekpen Development Association, Sabongida-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, also gave the assurance that the Nigeria Police would continue to crack down on cultism and other forms of criminality in the country.
Speaking on the roadblocks, he said “the roadblock was not a panacea or crime prevention strategy. It is an avenue that creates social friction between us and the members of the public.”
On cultism, he said “I have dealt with it in Edo State; I have dealt with it in Kogi State; I have dealt with it in Ekiti State and I will continue to deal with them (cultists) wherever they rear their heads.
“Let me just say this, there is no society that is crime-free, but you can make it tolerable. That is exactly what we intend to do.”
Mr Arase praised Sabongida-Ora for the conferment of the traditional title of Ojeagbase of Ora Kingdom on him, promising that he would continue to portray the values, discipline and hardwork, which he had learnt from the community.
Earlier, the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, commended the IGP for improving the performance of the security agency since he assumed office as the police chief in May.
Oshiomhole, while urging Nigerians to contribute their support for the police, said the people of the state would also celebrate him as their own.
