Following the threats of reprisal attacks against South African interests over the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians living South Africa, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Mohammed Adamu, has ordered water-tight security around embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within Nigeria.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, noted that the order was against the backdrop of the unfortunate attack on Shoprite outlets in Lekki Area of Lagos State on 3rd September 2019 by some miscreants who attacked and looted the Malls ostensibly under the pretext of protesting against the incessant “xenophobic” attacks in South Africa.
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“To this end, all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police across the Federation have been placed on red alert to ensure no similar violence is replicated within the country,” the statement said.
The IGP also condemned the violent attacks and noted that three police officers were seriously injured and a Police operational vehicle set ablaze. He also stressed that a total number of One Hundred and Twenty-Five (125) suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident while a good number of looted valuables have been recovered by the Police.
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“While recognizing the rights of citizens to air their views on salient national issues as enshrined in our statutes, the Force reiterates that these must be done within the confines of the law. Miscreants and criminally-minded people who masquerade as genuine protesters are therefore warned to stay-off the streets of Nigeria as the Force will not hesitate to bring to bear the full weight of the law on any such law breaker,” the IGP said.
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He further admonished parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to desist from acts capable of causing the breakdown of law and order in the country.
The IGP also said that the police have commenced investigations and profiling of the arrested suspects to establish their connection with the stealing, malicious damage, arson and disturbance of public peace on the day of the incident.
“The Force is hereby reassuring all law-abiding citizens, embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within the country of their security and safety,” the statement said.
Innocent Odoh, Abuja
