The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has ordered the disarmament of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) members.
This order came after the killing of several police officers in Onitsha during the anniversary for the Biafra struggle held in parts of the Eastern states yesterday.
More than three police officers were reportedly killed and several protesters and innocent bystanders including a pregnant woman were injured as a result of gunfire from overzealous security forces.
Arase’s statement reads:
Following the manifestation of the disposition of the armed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) activists to undertake premeditated attacks on Police officers engage in operations aimed at restoring public order in States in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zone of the country, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, fdc, NPM has directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and the Commissioners of Police in the affected area to disarm members of the group operating firearms immediately.
The IGP noted that the targeted attacks on Police personnel, who have been performing their statutory functions in the most professional and civil manner since the latest resurgence disorder, portrays the IPOB activists who are orchestrating the insurrection as having crossed the threshold in their misguided attempt to test the common will of the nation.
IGP Arase, while condemning the killing by members of IPOB, also directed the arrest of any member of the group found in possession of firearm and bring him/her to deserved justice, while all IPOB activists arrested in connection with the killing of the Policemen should be charged to court for murder.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to diligently work towards eliminating any threat to internal security and assures Nigerians of its commitment to their safety and security.
ABUJA.