In response to the recent political crisis that rocked Rivers State to its core and resulted in multiple fatalities and billions of naira’s worth of property damage, the Nigeria Police Force, acting as a responsible organisation, acted professionally, according to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday.
While answering questions from reporters at the IGP Conference with Senior Police Officers in Abuja, the IGP emphasised that the police remained on the side of the law even though the issue was initially preventable.
According to him, “On the crisis in Rivers State, the Police did not do anything wrong; they were preparing for the Local Government elections and we were waiting when a Federal High Court barred the Police from participating in the election and a counter order came from the High court that Police should participate in the election
“We have to pass the two orders to our legal department, which advised that the police should stay off as ordered by the Federal High Court; with this, we have to withdraw from further participation
“Then the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State informed me that the State governor has deployed Police personnel from the Government House to the Secretariat of the State Electoral Commission with the aim of going ahead with the Local Government polls and then we have gotten intelligence report about plans cause crisis and then we have to deploy personnel from the command to take charge of the place.
“Then, the Elections took place and those elected were sworn in and the Police had to unseal the Local Government Secretariats to allow the newly elected officials to assume duties
“If we were to remain there after the elected officials were sworn in, the Police would have been accused of taking sides; we vacated the secretariats, and then crisis erupted, We have to return to restore peace on the orders of the Mr. President to restore peace in the state
Speaking about the Force’s efforts to combat crimes and criminalities in the nation, the IGP stated that 10,852 criminals were nationwide apprehended by police between July and October of this year.
He went on to say that 369 kidnapped persons were freed during the review time, and a total of 416 weapons, 3,672 rounds, and 178 vehicles were seized.
According to him “Recent statistics indicate a substantial decrease in crime rates in key areas, including significant strides in combating violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cybercrime. From July to October this year, the Nigeria Police Force successfully rescued 369 kidnapped victims, recovered 416 firearms of various makes, retrieved 178 vehicles, and seized 3,672 rounds of ammunition of different calibres. Additionally, a total of 10,852 suspects were arrested across the country.”
Regarding the upcoming off-season governorship election in Ondo State, Egbetokun stated that the police were suitably ready for the poll and advised all parties involved not to express any fears.
According to him, “As we prepare for the upcoming Ondo State off-cycle gubernatorial election, I urge all involved to replicate and build upon the successes recorded in the Edo State election.
“We must ensure a robust security architecture and that officers perform their duties with impartiality and the highest professionalism. Our mission is to provide a secure environment where voters can freely exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.
“We will continue to collaborate with other security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and stakeholders to ensure that the Ondo State election is conducted freely, fairly, and credibly, empowering all voters to exercise their rights without any fear of intimidation.”
Speaking on the coming Yuletide season celebration, the IGP said patrols would be increased and other measures would be put in place to ensure the security of lives and properties throughout the ember months.
According to him, ”As we continue with the Ember Month, a time traditionally associated with heightened security challenges, the imperative for vigilance, enhanced flexibility, and proactive policing becomes even more critical.
“Criminal elements frequently exploit this season, necessitating our strategic foresight to stay ahead. Our approach should include increased patrols and intelligence-driven and community-orientated operations to ensure public safety throughout the holiday period.
“It is crucial that we intensify our efforts to secure all areas, particularly urban and semi-urban centres and major highways, and to collaborate effectively with other security agencies and stakeholders to bolster security nationwide.”
The IGP also explained that the Falomo Police Barracks in Lagos were never sold out as alleged in some quarters, saying that the barracks and others several years ago were being redesigned and reconstructed for the modern specifications as obtained in other parts of the world.
