We Will Not Tolerate Unprovoked Attacks on Our Men Anymore, IGP Reads Riot Act

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has said the Nigeria Police, under his leadership, will no longer tolerate unprovoked attacks on police officers by agents of destabilisation in the country. Egbetokun made this known during a conference with senior strategic officers in Abuja, yesterday.

On September 19, three police officers were killed during an attack by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias at Agu Centre, Katsina Ala.

Three days after, on September 22, authorities recovered eight more bodies of police personnel from the Agu Centre ambush, bringing the total confirmed dead police officers from that attack to 11.

Reacting to the development, the IGP said, “On several occasions, I have issued warnings against attacks on police officers carrying out their lawful duties.

“Attacks on our personnel are unacceptable. We do not condone any form of assault on police officers performing their legitimate functions.

“Repeatedly, I have appealed to the public: if you disagree with the conduct of any police officer, kindly report the matter to the appropriate authorities.

“Every state has a Commissioner of Police, every division has a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), and every area has an Area Commander.”

Egbetokun added, “We also have a Complaint Response Unit in all police formations across the Federation, and their contact details have been publicised several times.

“If you disagree with the behaviour of any police officer, do not attack them — report their conduct to their superior. I can assure you that such reports will not be ignored. All necessary disciplinary actions will be taken against the offending officer.”

He stated that disciplinary measures taken against erring officers were made public to encourage citizens to report misconduct.

According to him, “We take reports of misconduct by our officers seriously, and we do not hesitate to discipline those found culpable.”

The police chief also emphasised that the authorities would not shut the door on criminals who wished to embrace peace.

The IGP, who responded to questions on the ongoing negotiations with notorious bandit leaders in Katsina State, added that if they were willing to surrender, they would be welcomed.

On why the police no longer paraded criminal suspects, Egbetokun clarified, “The law does not permit us to parade criminal suspects. As law enforcers, we cannot be seen to be violating the very laws we are mandated to uphold.”