IGP Orders AIGs, CPs To Use Lawful Force To Stop Attack on Public and Private Property

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, Monday, ordered Assistant Inspector Generals of Police as well as Comissioners in charge of state commands, to deploy “all legitimate force to protect lives and property of citizens including police officers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies and their families, and to prevent attacks on private/public assets from any violent person(s) or group(s) operating under any guise.”

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

The IGP , according to Mba, further ordered Commissioners of Police in the states, as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to “resist all riotous elements forthwith and checkmate any form of violent/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 IGP vowed that the Nigeria Police 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 warns that the Force shall deploy the full weight of the law and legitimate force (if necessary) in preventing a reoccurrence.”

Mba, in the release, recalled that 51 civilians were killed and 37 seriously injured in the wake of the ENDSARS protests and the violence that emanated therefrom.

Worse still, 22 policemen were gruesomely murdered and 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.

Adamu called for the collaboration and support of citizens in the ongoing reforms of the Force.