Criminals in Nigeria were served a strong notice, Friday, to abandon their nefarious deeds as the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu launched a security action plan tagged Operation Puff Adder.
The operation, according to the IGP, would be executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Department of State Services (DSS).
It would also involve massive deployment of well-trained, well-equipped and well-motivated personnel and combined operational assets from the various security agencies, he said, adding that it was tailored towards ridding the country of all forms of crimes and criminality.
Specifically, the IGP said Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, Kogi, Katsina, Niger and Zamfara State would be under primary focus under Operation Puff Adder.
During the launch which took place at Katari Bishin District, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Mr. Adamu appealed for public support.
He said there was no police agency in the world that can solely achieve its community security and safety mandate without the support of the community, no matter how well-trained, equipped or motivated. .
He called for the full support and cooperation of the civil populace, particularly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth associations, market bodies, cultural associations and professionals among others in the fight against criminals especially kidnappers, armed robbers, cattle rustlers amongst others.
The IGP also made a special appeal to drivers, commuters and indeed all citizens that may come in contact with Police officers deployed for the Operation to cooperate with them and show understanding in the interest of public safety.
The IGP however, sounded a note of warning to persons who engage in criminal activities, especially along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, to give-up their nefarious activities and embrace other legitimate means of livelihood or be prepared to face the full consequences of their actions.
Gambo G. Gambo, representative of the Village Head of Katari, Bishin District, Kaduna State, commended the IGP for the launch of ‘Operation Puff Adder’ in the area.
Gambo noted that the operation has already begun to yield positive results with the arrest of five (5) armed criminals in the area on 4th April, 2019.
He thanked the IGP and enjoined the officers deployed to the area to ‘‘do good to the good and do bad to the bad’’.