Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu has warned that the Police would resist any further attempt by miscreants to embark on fresh Endsars protests, adding that officers and men have been ordered to apply maximum force in quelling subsequent protests in future.
Adamu stated this at the Anambra Police headquarters Awka during his tour of Police commands affected by the Endsars violent protests.
The police would resist any attempt to attack government property as well as police formations in the country.
“The Nigerian Police would never allow a repeat of the recent violent protest that claimed lives of officers and men of the force”, he said.
Misinformation and fake news
Adamu explained that the Endsars protest sparked off as a result of an incident at Ughelli in Delta State where a joint task force on security was pursuing suspects and one jumped out of a moving vehicle and was crushed.
He further narrated that someone videoed the incident and posted Endsars which led to the nationwide protest adding that the officers and men have been ordered to ensure that law and order are maintained in their various formations.
He emphasized the Force’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest, assuring that the Police would not fold its arms and allow miscreants maim and kill their operatives.
Commendations and appreciation
Adamu expressed his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for commending the Force amidst condemnation from the public with a view to demoralising the Police.
“Nigerians came out attacking and vilifying the Police to demoralize us and prevent us from courageously occupying the public space.
“But Mr. President said no. Vast majority of Nigerian Police are patriotic and committed to protecting lives and property of Nigerians.
“Nigerian Governors Forum also during their discussion on the protest, came up with a common position that not all Nigerian Police officers are bad.
“Many have even pledged to compensate families of those who lost their lives during the protest”, he said.
Incentives and encouragement
The IGP made known the Federal Government approval of the upward review of salary of men of the Force, just as he commended over eight Divisional Police Officers for their courage in defending their stations during the protest.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, John Abang in his address said that 19 personnel were victims of the protest out of which four lost their lives and 15 were injured.
“12 police formations were burnt and seven were vandalized. Two Armoured Personnel Carriers were damaged and 27 operational vehicles vandalized”, he said.
Abang however assured the IGP that the Command was gradually recovering from the incident through the support of the State Government and public spirited individuals.
Nneka Ukachukwu
