In order to stop Nigerians from stealing food and other necessities, Olukayode Egbetokun, the acting inspector general of police, has ordered Zonal Inspectors General of Police and Command CPs in the 36 states and the FCT to cease all future attacks on food warehouses and government strategic reserve facilities.
The IGP’s order came in response to recent food store and shop looting in some areas of Adamawa State by people reacting to the financial hardship brought on by government policies and out of concern that similar attacks and looting may spread.
The country’s security situation was discussed at a meeting with Strategic Police Managers, and Egbetokun said, “Command CP’s are directed to hereby erect round-the-clock provision of security at all government warehouses as well as strategic storage facilities and never permit the repetition of the Adamawa incidents.
“It should be highlighted that the Force is prepared to offer the Federal Government all essential assistance as it looks for practical answers and support for the nation’s current economic condition.
“Let me also take this occasion to thank all of the Force’s commands for the extremely professional way in which we handled the recent protest by the public and organized labor, ensuring that not a single casualty was reported during the duration of the protest.
He said, “In fact, the overall conduct of Police officers in the management of the protest should henceforth, be adopted as a template for operational control of protests throughout the country.” He also praised Nigerian citizens and the Labour leaders for acting in the most peaceful manner.
In this vein, Commands Commissioners of Police are thus instructed to establish direct connection and engage with Labor Unions and Civil Society Organizations to guarantee that protests, rallies, and similar public actions connected to labor are peaceful and incident-free.
The IGP stated, “We wish to make it clear that we will not leave any stone unturned in our efforts to continuously suppress and decimate criminality and heinous activities of non-state actors who cause pains and sorrows in any part of the country. This includes activities of bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers.
The purposeful and unprovoked harassment, assaults, and unjustified deaths of our police officers, who have dedicated their life to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians, will also not be tolerated.
