IG issues fresh orders on IPOB, Igboho, others

The acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali has issued fresh orders to policemen to deal ruthlessly with criminal elements and secessionists, including Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the Southeast and the group led by Sunday Igboho in the Southwest.

He gave the charge during the launch of a special operation codenamed Operation Restore Peace (Operation RP) at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu, the state capital.

Alkali said: “You are charged to be civil with the law-abiding citizens, but firm and ruthless with criminal elements and secessionists that may attempt to take the risk of testing your will or threatening the citizens within your area of jurisdiction.

The IG advised the police officers and men on the special operation to see their deployment as a call to national duty.

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On expectations, he said: “First, to stabilise the security order in the Southeast in the shortest possible time. Second, to be professional in your conduct as you strive to attain this objective.”

Alkali said: “This trend has of late been laced with inter-ethnic intolerance and separatist agitation as championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The operation, the police boss said, will be carried out by operatives of the Force in collaboration with the Armed Forces, the intelligence community and other sister security agencies.

He solicited the support of the civil populace, particularly traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth associations, market bodies, cultural associations and professionals.

The IG believes that with the support of all strategic stakeholders, the operation will in due course, change the current security narratives in the region.

He said it could not have come at a better time than now “given the bourgeoning insecurity in the country”.

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Meanwhile, the Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi praised Alkali for the operation, noting that the special operation could not have come at a better time than now “given the bourgeoning insecurity in the country.

“Enugu State Security Trust Fund Law is in place to ensure sustainable funding for security agencies in our state. The deployment of our Automated Drone Surveillance Solution to give the needed impetus to our security surveillance is underway.”

“We have not rested on our oars in providing a safe and secure environment for residents to live, work and enjoy life,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Elders Consultative Forum (AECF) in a statement by its National President,  Archbishop Princewill Ariwodo and its National Secretary Rev. Joseph Adiele at the end of their meeting in Umuahia, they condemned the arrest of Eze Awurum who was allegedly tagged an IPOB member by the military and warned against any extra-judicial killing of Igbo youths.