Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force have barred it’s personnel from escorting VIPs in the volatile South-East geo-political zone and Rivers State in the South-South until the security situation in both regions improves.
Specifically, the police high command directed policemen/women to avoid escorting their principals to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers States at this period.
The order followed the incessant attacks on security formations and killing of personnel in the South-East and part of South-South zones by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Commissioner of Police, Asaba, Delta State, issued this directive in a wireless message with reference CB: 0900/DTS/DOPS/VOL.47/812X, titled ‘Attack on policemen, snatching of rifles by IPOB.’
The directive and signal was also copied the Chief Security Officer, Government House, Chief Superintendent of Police, Department of Operations, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Delta State House of Assembly, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation annex, among others.
According to the wireless message: “Sequel to the incessant attacks on policemen and snatching of arms and ammunition by the proscribed IPOB/ESN (Eastern Security Network) elements in the Eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo States and Rivers State, COMPOL DOPS directs you warn personnel that escort of their principals to the six eastern states is suspended forthwith until security situation improves. Ensure strict compliance, please.”
In almost one year, many police operatives have been killed in violent attacks on security formations and personnel in the South-East and South-South regions.
Security personnel in these areas have been gripped with fear over the incessant killing of their colleagues by alleged IPOB/ESN militias.
Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, who confirmed the development, said the decision was taken to save the officers and their principals from the rampaging gunmen.
The police spokesman said the signal originated from Delta State Command and it was issued with the approval of the Commissioner of Police, in Delta State.
He said the signal is clear,stating, “That signal did not come from Force headquarters, so is not a nationwide directive.
“And any reasonable person will understand that this is a very good directive. The Commissioner of Police acted within his powers and he gave the directives to cure certain mischief”.