Xenophobia: IGP Issues Fresh Directives To AIGs, Commissioners

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police to beef up security around embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within the country.

Naija News understands that this is coming after the recent attack on Shoprite outlets in Lekki Area of Lagos State, on Tuesday.

A statement on Wednesday by the Force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, said miscreants attacked and looted the Malls ostensibly under the pretext of protesting against the incessant “xenophobic” attacks in South Africa.

He stated that IGP Adamu condemned the violent attacks and noted that three police officers were seriously injured and a police operational vehicle set ablaze

Frank Mba also disclosed that a total number of 125 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident while a good number of looted valuables have been recovered.

The statement reads in part, “While recognizing the rights of citizens to air their views on salient national issues as enshrined in our statutes, the Force reiterates that these must be done within the confines of the law.

“Miscreants and criminally-minded people who masquerade as genuine protesters are therefore warned to stay off the streets of Nigeria as the Force will not hesitate to bring to bear the full weight of the law on any such lawbreaker.

“Parents and Guardians are therefore enjoined to prevail on their children and wards to desist from acts capable of causing the breakdown of law and order in the country.

“Meanwhile, the Force has commenced investigations and profiling of the arrested suspects with a view to establishing their connection with the stealing, malicious damage, arson and disturbance of public peace on the day of the incident.”