Placing a ban on police roadblocks in the country has reduced corruption in the force by up to 80 per cent, Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said during an official visit to Bayelsa on Monday.

According to the police boss, the removal of police roadblocks has not only had a positive effect on the nation’s police force, but it has also helped traffic as road users no longer have to deal with police hiccups.

He added that he is determined to bridge the gap between the police and Nigerian citizens, saying “we will reconnect with members of the public”.

The IGP said that although he came to the position at a difficult time in the nation’s security, he is determined to protect and serve his country. Having won his war on roadblocks, the police chief is now waging a battle against unlawful detention in the police force.

“We will ensure that unlawful detention at police stations are reduced because the common goal of security agencies is to protect Nigerians.”

Responding to a question from stakeholders on unfriendly posture of some policemen at some stations, the IGP gave his personal mobile telephone number to the public to report genuine cases to him directly, NAN wrote.

He however warned against giving false information, saying the welfare of police officers was also important to him to ensure optimum performance.