Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector-General of Police, Saturday, ordered police officers in the country to deploy “legitimate force” in order to protect the lives and properties of citizens in the country.
Frank Mba, police spokesman, gave the statement of the IGP.
Adamu asked all command commissioners of police and assistant inspectors-general of police to “resist all riotous elements forthwith and checkmate any form of violent/riotous protests”.
The IGP gave the order less than 24-hours after a group of #EndSARS protesters regrouped at the national assembly.
The protesters had also gathered at the police headquarters in the federal capital territory (FCT) on Sunday.
“The inspector-general of police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the deployment of 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,” the statement read.
“The IGP restates that command commissioners of police and their supervisory assistant inspectors-general of police should 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 affirms that the 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.
“The IGP assures 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. He calls for the collaboration and support of citizens in the ongoing reforms of the force.”
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