In the wake of escalating EndSARS protests in different states in Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered immediate nationwide deployment of anti-riot Police Mobile Force (PMF) to protect lives and property.
The anti-riot policemen are also to secure critical national infrastructure across the country.
Disclosing this in a press statement he issued and signed, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba on Tuesday, said that the IGP also ordered massive deployment of police operatives “to strengthen security around correctional facilities nationwide.
Reporters At Large learnt that the orders came as a result of increasing attacks, as well as acts of arson and damages to public and private facilities which occurred in some states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Consequently, the Commissioners of Police in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT are to identify and isolate lawbreakers from peaceful protesters, immediately arrest, and diligently prosecute such perpetrators of violence in their respective commands,” the IGP had stated.
IGP Adamu also disclosed that 12 suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks and arson on police stations in Benin, Edo States, while five AK47 rifles earlier stolen from vandalised police stations had been recovered.
Calling on members of the public to avail the police with useful information that could lead to the re-arrest of inmates of correctional facilities who fled after unlawful release, the IGP advised parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to steer clear of acts of violence and criminality.
Adamu warned that the police force would henceforth exercise the full powers of law to prevent any further attempt on lives and property of citizens.
