ABUJA – The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has approved the setting up of a special unit of the force at the headquarters of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Caesar Kagho, Acting Head and Corporate Affairs of the board on Tuesday in Abuja.
The statement said the approval was made possible following an appeal by the Director-General of the board, Ms Patricia Bala, during a courtesy visit to the police boss.
It said the unit would enhance the board’s operational, monitoring and intelligence activities in the film industry.
It said Bala had earlier called for collaboration between the board and the police for effective monitoring, enforcement and prosecution of defaulters in the industry.
The statement quoted Bala as saying: “The board has to be on its toes monitoring at all times, to ensure that it is what the NFVCB prescribes that is implemented on the field.
“Because of the problems that we are encountering, we decided to come to your organisation so that we can work together because we are not very effective when we go on enforcement.
“ Because we don’t have the materials for enforcement; as a police organisation, you have all it takes to enforce.
“ So we need to collaborate to enforce because what goes out there can affect national security.
“Film is entertainment with educational value but it can be very explosive.”
The statement said the I-G expressed worries over the content of Nigerian movies shown on the African Magic channel of DSTV.
It said that Abubakar urged the DG to create more awareness on the board’s regulations, as it would enable the public to respect the laws on movies.
The statement said the I-G pledged his support to ensure that the NFVCB succeeded in enforcing its legal mandate.
It further quoted Abubakar as saying: “Let’s go beyond paper and work as a team; let us have a partnership that works.” (NAN)
