- Charges officers to protect lives and defend critical infrastructure
Following attacks on police facilities and posts across the country, the Inspector General of Police has ordered anti-riot police officers to restore peace and normalcy.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu said he ordered immediate nationwide deployment of anti-riot police unit – the Police Mobile Force (PMF) – to protect lives and property.
“The IGP has ordered massive deployment of anti-riot police operatives to strengthen security around correctional facilities nationwide,” a statement by Frank Mba, police spokesperson said.
“The orders are coming on the heels of increasing attacks including acts of arson and malicious damage to public and private facilities as recorded in some States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Consequently, the Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the FCT are to identify and isolate law-breakers from peaceful protesters; immediately arrest and diligently prosecute such perpetrators of violence in their respective Commands.
The statement said that the IGP notes that twelve (12) suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks and arson on police stations in Benin, Edo State. Five (5) AK47 rifles earlier stolen from vandalized Police Stations have also been recovered.
“The Inspector-General of Police calls on members of the public to avail the police with useful information that can lead to the re-arrest of the fleeing inmates, unlawfully released from correctional facilities.
Meanwhile, the IGP has advised parents/guardians to prevail on their children/wards to steer-clear of acts of violence and criminality as the Force will henceforth exercise the full powers of the law to prevent any further attempt on lives and property of citizens.
