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Abuja, Nigeria – In a swift response to Sunday’s chaotic clash, the Nigeria Police Force has taken 97 members of the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly referred to as Shi’ites, into custody, with view of later prosecution.
Sunday’s unrest in Abuja came at a steep price, as two policemen made the ultimate sacrifice, while three of their colleagues were left fighting for their lives with serious injuries. The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement in their efforts to maintain order.
The Abuja clash took a destructive turn when IMN members resorted to arson, torching three police patrol vehicles and rendering them inoperable.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, disclosed on Monday that the police’s effective response to the Abuja incident was made possible by reliable intelligence reports, which enabled operatives to identify and apprehend the suspects.
According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police force is resolute in its commitment to executing the directives of the Inspector-General, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to the fullest extent, without exception.
Adejobi said the I-G had reaffirmed the force’s determination to arrest other persons involved in the attack and bring them to justice,
The police spokesman quoted the I-G as saying he would resist all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country, and pledged to continue to maintain law and order in all parts of the country.
According to him, the unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable as those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace.
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“As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers,” he said.
Adejobi said the inspector-general sympathised with the grieving families of the fallen police officers and wished those currently undergoing treatment speedy recovery.
He called on the public to support and understand the Nigeria Police Force in its quest to maintain law and order even in the face of extremist threats and other violent crimes.
