The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, has announced that the police would soon institute a monthly award for the state with the lowest crime rate.
He made the announcement while addressing the officers and men of the force in Ilorin on Saturday.
The IGP said the police authority was fully ready to fight crime and criminality in the society.
He advised all policemen to endeavour to eschew corrupt tendencies and perform their duties without fear or favour.
“The police cannot fight crime in the face of the endemic corruption that has eaten deep into the fabrics of its work force.
“I have publicly stated that this administration is set to usher in an era of commitment, determination, uprightness, discipline, dedication to duty and selfless service among the rank and file.
“I have come to announce that all those who believe in a new police force which we have begun to build, are very much welcome on board.
The IGP stressed the need for the police to improve on its relationship with members of the public.
“Above all, however, there is no way our vision can see the light of the day unless we completely change our general attitude to work which presently falls far below minimum standards.
“With the level of insecurity in our country and the persistent threats to lives and property, the police need to rise to the challenge of securing our homeland against attacks, crime and all forms of criminality.
Abubakar pointed out that his intention was to take the crusade to all police commands across the country, starting from Kwara.
He assured that his administration would do the very best to empower them adequately to perform their job optimally.
The police chief held that government would address the many issues affecting the collective interests of the police workforce.
He tasked the officers and men to re-dedicate themselves to the ethics and principles of law enforcement.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Peter Gana, assured that the morale of the men in the command was high.
“The command is proactive in its approach to crime fighting and prevention. We will soon embark upon stop and search at black spots along the highways.
He listed inadequate petrol and armoured personnel carriers as some of the challenges facing the command.