To bring an end to violence, killings, looting and destruction of public and private property, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered the immediate mobilisation of all police operational assets and resources to curb the acts.
The IGP also said that public space should be reclaimed from criminal elements masquerading as protesters in some parts of the country.
Speaking through a statement he issued and signed on behalf of the police boss, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba disclosed that the IGP 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, today October 24, 2020.
“In addition, CPs/Heads of Police Formations in the various states have also been charged to mobilise their men, and work in synchronisation 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,” Mba added.
Saying that brigandage being carried out was enough, Adamu further directed police strategic managers to personally lead and coordinate the operation and use all legitimate means to halt further slide into lawlessness.
He also noted all acts of lawlessness, disruption of public peace and order, which had resulted in the indiscriminate looting of shops, malls and warehouses, damage to property and loss of lives in some parts of the country.
“The IGP enjoins 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,” the FPRO added.
Mba stated further that the IGP called for the understanding and cooperation of the citizens, assuring that the action was geared towards ensuring public order and safety.
“The IGP however warns trouble-makers not to test the collective will of the nation by coming out to cause any further breakdown of law and order,” Mba said.
