#EndSARS: We Would Resist Any Form Of Protest – IGP Warns As #EndSARS Protesters Assemble Again

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have been ordered to employ all legitimate means to prevent the breakdown of law and order in the country.

The order was given by the Inspector-general of police, Mohammed Adamu through a statement released by the police spokesman, Frank Mba.

Adamu in the statement ordered all command commissioners of police and assistant inspectors-general of police to “resist all riotous elements forthwith and checkmate any form of violent/riotous protests”.

About 24 hours before the order was given, there were suspected #EndSARS activities, as a group of #EndSARS protesters had regrouped at the national assembly, and at the police headquarters in the federal capital territory (FCT) on Sunday.

“The inspector-general of police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the deployment of all legitimate force to protect lives and property of citizens including police officers and personnel of other law enforcement agencies and their families, and to prevent attacks on private/public assets from any violent person(s) or group(s) operating under any guise,” the statement read.

“The IGP restates that command commissioners of police and their supervisory assistant inspectors-general of police should resist all riotous elements forthwith and checkmate any form of violent/riotous protests in line with section 33 (1) & (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which among other things provides for the use of such force as is reasonably necessary –
(a) For the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property;
(b) In order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or
(c) For the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny.

The statement noted that any repeat of the horrendous attacks and killings, arson and wanton destruction, and looting of public and private assets witnessed during the recent violent protests in some parts of the country, would not be tolerated anymore.

Rhe IGP warned that the force shall deploy the full weight of the law and legitimate force (if necessary) in preventing a reoccurrence.

“The IGP assures law-abiding citizens across the country of the force’s renewed and unwavering commitment to their safety and security especially as we approach the yuletide. He calls for the collaboration and support of citizens in the ongoing reforms of the force.”

Adamu had earlier deployed anti-riot police officers nationwide to quell the crisis following the #EndSARS protests in October.