The head of Japan’s National Police Agency announced his resignation on Thursday, to take responsibility for the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Itaru Nakamura told reporters, “There were shortcomings in the security plans and the risk assessments on which they were based, and direction from the field commander was insufficient.

“The root of this problem lies in the limitations of the current system, which has been in place for years, in which local police bear sole responsibility for providing security.

“We have decided to shake up our personnel and start afresh with our security duties, and that’s why I tendered my resignation to the National Public Safety Commission today,” he added.

Wakadaily reported that Shinzo Abe, who was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, served from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.

Mr Abe was shot dead on Friday, July 15 2022, while delivering a speech ahead of a parliamentary election, when a man armed with a homemade gun opened fire at him from behind.

The 67-year-old was rushed to the Nara Medical University Hospital in Kashihara City and showed no vital signs, according to the local police and emergency services.

His suspected killer was detained at the scene and is believed to have targeted Abe because he thought he was linked to the Unification Church.