Nigerian Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the deployment of all legitimate force to protect lives and property of citizens including police officers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies and their families, to prevent attacks on private or public assets from any violent person or group operating under any guise.
The IGP in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, also directed that Command Commissioners of Police and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police should resist all riotous elements forthwith and checkmate any form of violent or riotous protests in line with Section 33 (1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended); which among other things provides for the use of such force as is reasonably necessary –
(a) For the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property;
(b) In order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or
(c) For the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny.
The Police Chief affirmed that the Force will not tolerate a repeat of the horrendous attacks and killings, arson and wanton destruction, and looting of public and private assets witnessed during the recent violent protests in some parts of the country.
He warned that the Force shall deploy the full weight of the law and legitimate force where necessary in preventing a reoccurrence.
The statement recalled that in the wake of the End SARS protests and the violence that emanated, a total of fifty-one (51) civilian fatalities and thirty-seven (37) civilian injuries were recorded, while a total of twenty-two (22) policemen were gruesomely murdered and twenty-six (26) others injured by the protesters. Two hundred and five (205) police stations, corporate facilities, and private property were attacked, burnt, or vandalized.
The IGP assured law-abiding citizens across the country of the Force’s renewed and unwavering commitment to their safety and security especially as we approach the yuletide.
He called for the collaboration and support of citizens in the ongoing reforms of the Force.
Investigation revealed that the Inspector General of Police’s directives is in connection with rumours that the End SARS protesters are planning to resume their streets demonstrations in Lagos and Abuja, to demand an end to police brutality and good governance.
It is the fourth time in one week that IGP Adamu is issuing similar strong directives to the Force personnel.
