Joy Anyim
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate mobilisation of all police operational assets and resources to bring an end to the wanton violence, killings, looting and destruction of public and private property in the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
IGP Adamu gave the order to all Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), Heads of Police Operational Units, Squadron and Base Commanders in charge of Zonal/State/FCT Commands, the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit and the Special Protection Unit, on Saturday, October 24.
IGP Adamu urged directed the senior officers to reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters in some parts of the country.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Frank Mba, the Police Chief said “ In addition, CPs/Heads of Police Formations in the various states have been charged to mobilize their men and work in sync with the Command CPs in the areas where they are domiciled, to dominate the public space and ensure peace and safety in the affected areas.
“ Enough is enough to all acts of lawlessness, disruption of public peace and order and wanton violence which have resulted to indiscriminate looting of shops, malls and ware houses, damage to property and loss of lives in some parts of the country. ”
He further directed the Police strategic managers to personally lead and coordinate the operation and use all legitimate means, to halt further slide into lawlessness and brigandage.
The police boss also enjoined law-abiding citizens not to panic but rather join forces with the police and other members of the law enforcement community to protect their communities from the criminal elements.
He further called for the understanding and cooperation of the citizens assuring that the action is geared towards ensuring public order and safety and public security in our communities.
The IGP, however, warned trouble-makers not to test the collective will of the nation by coming out to cause any further breakdown of law and order.