The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, on Monday directed that Nigerians who assault police officers carrying out their lawful duties must be made to face the law.
Baba, who spoke through the force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said attacks on the uniformed agents of the state, is both illegal and an affront on the rule of law.
The police chief described as ”worrisome”, the recent trend of assault on police officers and men in uniform, carrying out official and lawful duties in various locations across the nation.
Daily Trust reports that this is the first time the top cop would be speaking out after #EndSARS protest where many officers of the force officers were killed.
Also in recent time, police officers were seen in viral videos being assaulted by the some motorists particularly in Lagos and some South East states.
Speaking on the development in Abuja, Adejobi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said the IGP condemned the act, saying the force would no longer tolerate any attacks on its officers.
He said, ”The IGP emphasized that attacks on Police Officers, who are uniformed agents of the state, is both illegal and an affront on the rule of law.
”The IGP warned that attacks on police officers and men in the line of duty would no longer be tolerated under whatever guise, as the Force holds the lives of its personnel sacrosanct.
”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 senior police officers, however, warned the officers not to trample upon citizens’ rights while carrying out their duties, adding that Nigerians should also respect the rights of the police officers and other security operatives.
According to him, this would help the officers to enable them advance their sacred mandate of serving and protecting the citizens better and maintenance of law and order.
He reiterated the commitment of the force to ensuring protection of lives and property.
