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Police Boss To Officers: Apply All Legitimate Forces To Resist Riotous Elements

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The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has commanded officers of the Nigeria Police Force to apply all legitimate forces to resist all riotous elements forthwith and to checkmate any form of violent/riotous protests.

He said that such directive was derived from 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 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.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, quoted the Inspector General as making it clear 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 warned that the Force shall deploy the full weight of the law and legitimate force (if necessary) in preventing a reoccurrence.

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Mohammed Adamu insisted that police officers should rise up 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 persons or groups operating under any guise.

The Inspector General 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. He calls for the collaboration and support of citizens in the ongoing reforms of the Force.

Recall that in the wake of the ENDSARS protests and the violence that emanated therefrom, a total of 51 civilian fatalities and 37 civilian injuries were recorded, while a total of 22 policemen were gruesomely murdered and 26 others injured by the protesters.

Two hundred and five police stations, corporate facilities and private property were attacked, burnt or vandalized.

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