The Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Nigeria, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has described as deeply worrisome the rate at which officers and men lose their lives in the course of discharging their statutory duties.
Condemning attacks on police officials, the IGP in a statement on Wednesday said “these line of duty resultant deaths, occasioned by unwarranted attacks by religious bigot, bandits, hoodlums and militants must be reversed and the trend halted”.
The police boss explained that in the past three months, the Force had lost 128 personnel in various parts of Nigeria due to activities of persons he described as undesirable elements in different communities.
“Also disturbing, is the wanton destruction of Police infrastructure and public assets. The recent cases in Dankamoji village in Maradu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Abagana in Anambra State and in Okrika waterways in Rivers State where personnel were killed, arms carted away, structures and equipment destroyed are cases in point,” the statement read.
The IGP expressed displeasure with the loss of the personnel in the course of their national duty and condoled with their families while assuring them of the Force’s support to cushion the effect of the irreparable loss.
“Their departure will certainly not be in vain,” he stressed.
Mr Idris further urged the officers not to relent or be distracted in our collective will to serve this country, the costly challenges notwithstanding and advised law abiding citizens to continue to give the Police the desired support and assistance.