The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has ordered immediate nationwide deployment of anti-riot policemen to protect lives and property of all Nigerians and secure critical national infrastructure across the country.
The anti-riot policemen are the Police Mobile Force (PMF).
However, some analysts are of the opinion that the action may trigger another round of confrontation as some of the #EndSARS protesters, particularly in Edo and Lagos states where ere 24-hour curfew has been declared have vowed not to vacate their areas until government meets their demands.
But the IGP has also ordered massive deployment of police operatives to strengthen security around Correctional facilities nationwide.
A statement issued by Frank Mba, Force Public Relations Officer, said the orders were 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) AK-47 rifles earlier stolen from vandalized Police Stations have also been recovered,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the IGP called on members of the public to avail the police with useful information that could 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 would henceforth exercise the full powers of the law to prevent any further attempt on lives and property of citizens.
