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#EndSARS: When In Danger, Open Fire – IGP Tells Police Officers
Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police (IGP), has told officers of the force not to hesitate to use their firearms when their lives are threatened.
Speaking when he visited the headquarters of the Ebonyi police command on Tuesday, Adamu said the police would squashed any violent protests with brute and maximum force.
Ekohotblog reports that the police boss also said fake news and misinformation was responsible the #EndSARS protests, noting that the police would never allow such protest to take place in any part of the country again.
In October, youth across the country staged protests demanding an end to police brutality and agitating for “good governance”.
The protesters were dispersed after two weeks which led to widespread violence.
Speaking on Tuesday, Adamu averred that the #EndSARS protesters had hidden agenda.
“The EndSARS protests started as a result of fake news provided by social media. There have been lots of reforms put in place,” he said.
“The EndSARS protests started from Delta and spread to Lagos and other parts of the country. The motive behind the protests was not to End SARS but to attack government. Police provided them cover but their aim was not peaceful protest as it turned violent few days after. The reason was to attack the police that can protect the citizens and corporate offices in the country.
“Police has the capability to prevent loss of lives. We are meant to protect and not to destroy lives. It was through maximum restraint we saved the country from anarchy. We proved that during the protests, the police can be trusted.”
Adamu said President Muhammadu Buhari and governors passed vote of confidence on the police during the crisis because they could attest to the fact that the force did all it could to bring the situation under control.
He implored police officers not to let their resolve be dampened by the attacks suffered during the crisis.
“The president supported the police and the Governor’s forum, saying that we love our police. What happened because of attack on police, has the tendency for the police to be demoralized as Banks, companies, private and public properties were destroyed,” he said.
“Other sectors were attacked; police was not only the worse hit. Nigeria police will never again accept such type of violent protest. If you want to protest we will provide security but it should be within the law.
“We shall suppress violent protests with maximum force and follow the rules of engagement. Police officers are special breed of Nigerians specially trained. When your life is danger, you use your firearm. You are meant to maim and not to kill that person”
Also Read: #EndSARS: Police Vow To Quash Any Protests In Lagos
The IGP added that the officers who lost their lives during the protests did not die in vain, saying they had been promoted with compensation on the way for their families.
He said the issue of welfare will be resolved, adding that the force had put in place an insurance scheme.
“The officers that died did not die in vain. We have promoted them and look into the issue of compensation. Welfare issues will be addressed including myself. We have health insurance scheme.
“In January, 2021, there will be renovation of barracks and new ones will be built. Let us not be demoralized. Follow the rules of engagement. Go out with the authority that backs you in line with the constitution.”
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