The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has ordered nationwide deployment of an anti-riot police unit, the Police Mobile Force (PMF), to protect lives and property as well as secure critical national infrastructure across the country.
The police boss in a press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba, Tuesday in Abuja, said: “The IGP has also ordered massive deployment of Police operatives to strengthen security around Correctional facilities nationwide.
“The orders are coming on the heels of increasing attacks including acts of arson and malicious damage to public and private facilities as recorded in some states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Consequently, the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 states 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 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks and arson on Police Stations in Benin, Edo state. Five AK47 rifles earlier stolen from vandalised Police stations have also been recovered.”
Mba said the IGP has called 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 Police boss has advised parents and guardians to prevail on their children and 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.
