Nigeria's police chief sacked

Over 10,000 have been murdered in Nigeria's clashes

President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed Nigeria's police chief Inspector Musiliu Smith, replacing him with the head of police in northern Nigeria.

The dismissal announced on Wednesday at the end of an emergency meeting of the Police Council, presided over by President Obasanjo and attended by Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some state governors, came five weeks after junior police officers went on strike over pay.

Inspector General Smith has been replaced by Mr Tafa Balogun, the general inspector in the capital, Abuja, who has been in the force for over 25 years.

BBC's Focus reporter in Abuja, Haruna Bahago, says that Mr Smith's removal did not come as a surprise.

Rise in crime and violence

Nigerians have been speculating about his expulsion from the force due to the increase in crime and violence which has left many dead in recent months.

The government says the public has lost confidence in the police

More than 10,000 people have been killed in Nigeria's clashes in the past three years.

The Nigerian authorities feel that the general public has lost respect for and confidence in the police force.

Correspondents say that the sacking of the police chief could also be the government's move to wipe out a violent pay strike scheduled for next week by junior police and army officers.

Presidential powers

The new police chief, Mr Balogun has been given presidential powers to take any necessary measures to tackle any possible police strike threats.

The strike threat has added to a climate of unease as Nigeria turns towards critical elections next year after a wave of religious and ethnic unrest.

Political analysts say the mere threat of a police and army strike is certain to raise questions about President Olusegun Obasanjo's grip on the armed forces.

The Military had ruled unchallenged for 15 years until 1999 when Mr Obasanjo was democratically elected.