The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Adamu has reminded police officers in Imo State that they are empowered by law to use their sophisticated weapons to smash any group of miscreants who violently attack them anywhere in the country.
The IGP made this assertion while addressing officers and men of Imo State Police Command over the recent attack by unknown gunmen on the state police and prisons headquarters in Owerri.
He said his visit was to encourage them and tell them never to be demoralised, because according to him, the intention of the attackers was to demoralise them and make it look as if they are incapable to protect the lives and properties of Imo people.
“You have to rise to the occasion and tell them they will never succeed. Deal with them ruthlessly. Use all the force available to you to descend on them. You have the facilities, weapons and covered by law to use them.”
He called on the fleeing prisoners to voluntarily return as some have already done, failure of which they will be rearrested.
He said a lot of tactical units have been deployed to the state to reinforce security and rearrest the fleeing prisoners.
While calling for a united force involving the community leaders, LGA authorities, state government to condemn and stamp out the ugly narrative, the IGP promised that the Nigerian police will work with other stakeholders to immediately replace the facilities that were destroyed by the hoodlums.
In his speech, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma welcomed the IGP and thanked him for his prompt visit.
He expressed reservation that such level of attack could be allowed to happen in the state police headquarters and attackers allowed to operate freely and go scot free.
“If you must not be on the offensive, you must be able to defend yourselves and your facilities. The citadel of security in Imo State lies here at the police headquarters. So, for us to allow hoodlums to have their way, enter this place, operate and go away scot free is condemnable.
“I don’t want to identify with any development that will insinuate, encourage or allude to the fact that miscreants will confront government and get away with it. It is a fact that once the police is insulted, the integrity of government itself is insulted,” Uzodimma quipped.
The governor informed the IGP that Imo people are unanimous in condemning the action, which he said is capable of provoking anybody.
He however commended officers of Imo State Police command who he said have been working very hard, even in the midst of inadequate equipment, adding that the police has always borne the brunt each time there is a crisis in the land.
He promised that the state government will do its best to complement the effort of the Nigerian Police authorities in replacing the facilities that were destroyed by the attackers.
Earlier in his address, Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP) Nasiru Muhammed who welcomed and thanked the IGP for the visit informed him that officers and men of the command under his leadership has resolved not to rest on their oars, but to rise to the occasion by doing everything possible to ensure the protection of lives and properties of Imo people.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune