The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, has directed Command Commissioners of Police to immediately establish “Judges Protection Units’’ (JPU) for the protection of Judges and Courts in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, announced this on Thursday in Abuja. He said the units would ensure that the judiciary had adequate security to carry out their duties.

It also said that the I-G had directed the commissioners to assign Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of Training and Development to conduct training and orientation for personnel designated for the JPUs.

The statement emphasised that personnel for the assignment must exhibit high sense of professionalism, courage, integrity, discipline and respect for human rights.

Ojukwu said Arase has also directed the reduction in the number of police aides attached to Civil Commissioners nationwide.

Arase, during his maiden meeting with command commissioners of police and other senior officers on April 29, promised to take measures to protect judges.