The Nigeria Police has said 125 suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack on Shoprite outlets in Lekki Area of Lagos state on September 3, in protests against the incessant xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Force Public Relations Officer DCP Frank Mba, in a press statement, Tuesday in Abuja, said a good number of looted valuables have been recovered by the Police.
He said the Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu has ordered water-tight security around embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within the country.
According to him, “This order is against the backdrop of the unfortunate attack on Shoprite outlets in Lekki Area of Lagos Sate on September 3, 2019, by some miscreants who attacked and looted the Malls ostensibly under the pretext of protesting against the incessant “xenophobic” attacks in South Africa.
“To this end, all zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police across the federation have been placed on red alert to ensure no similar violence is replicated within the country.”Mba said the IGP has condemned the violent attacks and noted that three police officers were seriously injured and a Police operational vehicle set ablaze.
He said, while recognizing the rights of citizens to air their views on salient national issues as enshrined in country’s statutes, the Force reiterated that these must be done within the confines of the law.
“Miscreants and criminally-minded people who masquerade as genuine protesters are therefore warned to stay-off the streets of Nigeria as the Force will not hesitate to bring to bear the full weight of the law on any such law breaker.
“Parents and Guardians are therefore enjoined to prevail on their children and wards to desist from acts capable of causing breakdown of law and order in the country,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the Force has commenced investigations and profiling of the arrested suspects with a view to establishing their connection with the stealing, malicious damage, arson and disturbance of public peace on the day of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Force reassured all law-abiding citizens, embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within the country of their security and safety.
