#EndSARS Violence: IGP Okays Lawful Force On Riotous Elements

• AIGs, CPs get marching orders

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Tired of pampering suspected hoodlums parading themselves as #EndSARS Campaigners, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad A Adamu, has ordered the deployment of legitimate force to protect lives and property of all Nigerian citizens.

He said aside police officers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies and their families who must be protected, the Nigeria Police will henceforth “deal decisively with any violent person(s) or group(s) operating under any guise” in the country.

The IGP also directed Command Commissioners of Police and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (IGP) to resist all riotous elements forthwith to prevent attacks on private and public assets nationwide.

The Police boss’ marching order to checkmate any form of violent or riotous protests is “in line with 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:
(a) For the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property;
(b) In order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or
(c) For the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny.

IGP Adamu warned 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.”

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba quoted the IGP as warning that “the Force shall deploy the full weight of the law and legitimate force (if necessary) in preventing a reoccurrence.”

In assuring all law abiding citizens of the Force’s renewed and unwavering commitment to their safety and security, especially as the yuletide approaches, IGP Adamu further solicited collaboration and support of citizens in the ongoing Police reforms.

The statement by DCP Mba recalled that the EndSARS protests and the violence that emanated therefrom recorded a total of fifty-one (51) civilian fatalities; and thirty-seven (37) civilian injuries, while a total of twenty-two (22) policemen were gruesomely murdered; and twenty-six (26) others injured by the protesters.

In the same vein, Two hundred and five (205) police stations, corporate facilities and private property were attacked, burnt or vandalized across the country.