House Approves Army’s Operation Positive Identification

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has given the Nigerian army approval to carry out Operation Positive Identification (OPI) in conjunction with other relevant security agencies.

The green chamber had initially kicked against the operation which was initially scheduled to commence on November 1, 2019 across the country, saying it would strip Nigerians of their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of movement.

However, the House approved the operation following the report of the Committee on Army on the operation, which was laid before the House at plenary on Thursday by its Chairman, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas.

According to the report, "The Army can continue with the Operation Positive Identification but in collaboration with other relevant security agencies, such as Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Police Force, who should take the lead in the identification process.

"That a Joint Intelligence and Monitoring Team should be set up by the agencies involved in order to checkmate possible abuse of the exercise, such as extortion and assault on the people."

Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Haliru Jika, said yesterday the long awaited Police Trust Fund would take off by January next year.

The Police Trust Fund bill was passed into law by the National Assembly in March and subsequently assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari in April.

Stakeholders have also called for the inauguration of the board and the setting up of the structure of the fund. They had called on the president to effect the appointments of board members and members of the implementation committee in order to fill the gaps in the funding requirements of the Police Force.

This is coming as the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, recommended a six-monthly mental checkup for officers and men of the Nigerian Police.

Speaking at a medical conference with zonal and heads of medical facilities across the country themed: “Addressing Job related Stress and Mental Health of Police Personnel,” organised by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Adamu Mohammed, Senator Jika said the Police Trust Fund