As IGP deploys mobile police unit nationwide
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, held a closed-door meeting with the minister of defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd.) and the chief of defence staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin.
The meeting was held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja but its agenda was not disclosed.
However, observers said the meeting was in connection with the EndSARS protests that have engulfed the country for almost two weeks.
Meanwhile, the inspector general of police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, ordered immediate nationwide deployment of the police mobile force to protect lives and property of all Nigerians and secure critical national infrastructure across the country.
He also ordered massive deployment of police operatives to strengthen security around correctional facilities nationwide.
The orders came on the heels of increasing violence including acts of arson and malicious damage to public and private facilities as recorded in some states and Abuja.
“Consequently, the commissioners of police in the thirty-six 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 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,” said police spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba in a statement.
