IGP condemns attacks on police officers, directs prosecution of offenders

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has condemned attacks on police personnel by irate members of the public, warning that such would no longer be tolerated.

Several videos have appeared online recently of police officers being assaulted by civilians at various locations across the country, while the security personnel carried out their duties.

The IGP described attacks on police officers, who are uniformed agents of the state, as both illegal and an affront on the rule of law.

In a statement issued Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP warned that attacks on police officers and men in the line of duty would no longer be tolerated under whatever guise, adding that the Force holds the lives of its personnel sacrosanct.

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“Consequently, the IGP has directed all Police Commands and Formations to ensure that individuals who engage in assault on police officers, irrespective of preceding factors, are made to face the full wrath of the law via swift prosecution in courts of competent jurisdiction,” the statement stated.

According to the statement, the IGP reiterated the commitment of the police to ensure protection of lives and property.

IGP Baba further stressed the importance of respecting to the “fundamental rights of Police officers and other security operatives” by the citizens, in order to enable them fulfil their role of serving and protecting the populace better, as well as maintenance of law and order.