The Nigeria Police Force has ordered immediate withdrawal of personnel attached to governors, senators, other public office holders and VIPs in the South East over nonstop attacks on police officers and formations in the region.
The directive was contained in a police wireless message shared by The Whistler.
The directive, according to the signal, followed attacks on policemen by alleged members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its the Eastern Security Network (ESN) paramilitary wing.
The signal dated “10/05/2021” and with reference number 0900/DTS/DOPS/VOL47/812 was issued by the Commissioner of Police (DOPS), Asaba, Delta State.
It said, “Sequel to the incessant attacks on policemen/ snatching of arms and ammunition by the proscribed IPOB/ESN elements in the eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States and Rivers State, COMPOL DOPS directs you warn personnel that escorts of their principals to the six (6) eastern states is suspended forthwith until security situation improves. Ensure strict compliance please.”
According to the publication, the acting spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, DSP Edafe Bright, confirmed validity of the wireless message, but noted that it was not meant for the press.
“Firstly, the message that was sent out is not for press, so I don’t know how it got to you. Secondly, it is for policemen attached to VIPS not to escort their men to any part of the eastern state. That is the directive,” said Bright.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday approved a new security measures for the South East and South South geo political zones of the country.
It was one of the outcomes of the series of security meetings held in the last eleven days and concluded on Tuesday in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, disclosed this to State House Correspondents after the meeting. He, however, declined to give details.
