The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Suleiman Abba, has warned policemen not to embark on strike over unpaid salaries.

Following recent media reports that about 15, 000 policemen had threatened to either go on strike or disrupt the forthcoming elections over non-payment of promotion salary arrears since December 2013, the police leadership has warned of dire consequences should any of its personnel breach its rules.

In a statement signed by the police spokesperson, Emmanuel Ojukwu, the IGP said the Force is committed to the welfare of its personnel but it will not tolerate indiscipline.

“At the outset, it is pertinent to state that the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is mindful of its responsibility towards the welfare of the workforce.

“As is expected, every promotion attracts some financial benefits, and which have been deeply considered in the course of processing and approving the promotions. For the avoidance of doubt the Nigeria Police Force is working assiduously with relevant government departments and agencies to effect the payment of the promotion arrears. Meanwhile, all promoted officers have since January 2015 been enjoying the salaries attendant on their new ranks,” the statement read.

It further expressed the IGP’s disappointment at officers airing their grievances in the media, instead of going through the approved means of seeking redress.

“The IGP is miffed that officers have to recourse to unapproved channels to air their perceived grievances. The IGP therefore warns such officers of the dire consequences of breaching extant rules and regulations,” Ojukwu stated in the release.

He said further that “Nigeria Police Force is founded on the bedrock of discipline and loyalty” adding that regulations of the Force have provided enough windows for aggrieved officers to air their grievances.