The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered the deployment of anti-riot policemen nationwide to tackle the attacks by hoodlums and criminals hiding under the guise of the #EndSARS protest.
This information was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba.
The statement noted that the IGP’s directive is a response to the cases of increased attacks and arson on public facilities including Police stations which have been witnessed in the last few days in many cities across the country.
While emphasizing the need for the Police to continue to carry out its constitutional responsiblities of protecting lives and property, the IGP urged parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against been used to cause trouble in the society.
The statement further urged members of the public to make information available to security agents concerning developments in their area.
The statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered immediate nationwide deployment of anti-riot police unit – the Police Mobile Force (PMF) – to protect lives and property of all Nigerians and secure critical national infrastructure across the country.
The IGP has also ordered massive deployment of Police operatives to strengthen security around Correctional facilities nationwide.
The orders are coming on the heels of increasing attacks including acts of arson and malicious damage to public and private facilities as recorded in some States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Consequently, the Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the FCT are to identify and isolate law-breakers from peaceful protesters; immediately arrest and diligently prosecute such perpetrators of violence in their respective Commands.
The IGP notes that twelve (12) suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks and arson on Police Stations in Benin, Edo State. Five (5) AK47 rifles earlier stolen from vandalized Police Stations have also been recovered.
The Inspector-General of Police calls on members of the public to avail the police with useful information that can lead to the re-arrest of the fleeing inmates, unlawfully released from Correctional facilities.
Meanwhile, the IGP has advised parents/guardians to prevail on their children/wards to steer-clear of acts of violence and criminality as the Force will henceforth exercise the full powers of the law to prevent any further attempt on lives and property of citizens.”
