The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed A. Adamu, has strongly cautioned all Police Officers across Nigeria to refrain from the use of force on peaceful protesters. In a communique released on Thursday and signed by the force spokesperson DCP Frank Mba, the IGP noted that citizens have fundamental rights of freedom of expression, assembly, and movement which must always be upheld and protected by the police. Adamu however appealed to protesters to continually conduct themselves peacefully and ensure they are not infiltrated by criminal elements who may want to highjack the protest to perpetrate violence.
“The inspector-general of police, M.A. Adamu, has warned all Police Officers across the country against the use of force on peaceful protesters,” the statement read.
“The IGP notes that citizens have fundamental rights of freedom of expression, assembly and movement which must always be upheld and protected by the police.
“The IGP, however, appeals to protesters to continually conduct themselves peacefully and guide their ranks against infiltration by criminal elements.
“The IGP stresses that the Force leadership has clearly heard the voice of the people and is irrevocably committed to doing everything within its powers to address the observed ills, punish any offending officers and promote a people-friendly police force.”
The IGP also stressed that the Force leadership has clearly heard the voice of the people and is irrevocably devoted to doing everything within its powers to address the observed ills, punish any offending officers and promote a people-friendly police force.