IGP Orders Heads Of Police Zones, Commands To Henceforth Resist Violent Attacks, Acts
By Kassim Omomia
- it read that in the wake of the ENDSARS protests and the violence that emanated therefrom, a total of fifty-one (51) civilian fatalities and thirty-seven (37) civilian injuries were recorded, while a total of twenty-two (22) policemen were gruesomely murdered and twenty-six (26) others injured by the protesters.
..Directs use of lawful force in line with the constitution
Following the killings and destruction of public and private property arising from EndSARSs Protest, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has directed Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of zones and states commissioners of Police to henceforth resist any form of violent attacks , arsons from protesters and deal decisively with such elements with lawful force in line with the laws of the land
He said in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP, Frank Mba, that all AIGs,CPs, should resist all violent and riotous elements forthwith with lawful force in line with provisions of the 1999 constitution (as amended)
Section 33 (1) & (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides for the use of such force as is reasonably necessary: “For the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property;
“In order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained, or for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny”
The statement notes “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 police top hierarchy warned that it will no longer 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, insisting that the Force will not hesitate to deploy the full weight of the law and legitimate force (if necessary) in preventing a reoccurrence.
Recall that a total of fifty-one (51) civilian fatalities and thirty-seven (37) civilian injuries were recorded, while a total of twenty-two (22) policemen were gruesomely murdered and twenty-six (26) others injured by the protesters, in addition to Two hundred and five (205) police stations, corporate facilities and private property attacked, burnt or vandalized in the aftermath of the EndSARS protest
The IGP, however, assures law abiding citizens across the country of the Force’s renewed and unwavering commitment to their safety and security, especially as the Yuletide draws nearer , while soliciting for public collaboration and support for the ongoing police reforms
