The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered a 24-hour police surveillance in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs, following the violent protest by members of the Shi’ite movement.
Similarly, the Commissioners of Police and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in states sharing a common border with the FCT were also placed on the alert to ensure maximum security in their respective areas of responsibility to avert any possible breach of public safety and security.
While noting that the Force was not against citizens expressing their grouse against the government, the IG stressed that “such ventilations must be done through legitimate and acceptable processes and not by taking the laws into their own hands.”
He, therefore, cautioned citizens against testing the collective will of the people and the state by engaging in lawless acts likely to cause a breach of the peace.
The force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, in a statement said the IG had ordered a speedy and diligent investigation into the incident as well as prompt prosecution of all the sect members in custody in connection with the incident.
It added, “The IG reiterated his displeasure with the unwarranted and unjustifiable attack and injury to nine police officers by members of the El-Zakzaky group and commended the restraint, maturity and professionalism displayed by Police personnel in containing the protest.”