The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of police personnel from all 23 local government areas in Rivers State. This decision, conveyed by the new Commissioner of Police, aims to maintain neutrality amid recent political developments and ensure the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel from the 23 local government areas in Rivers State. This directive was communicated on Monday by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command.
The decision comes in light of recent political developments within the state. According to the statement, the new State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, relayed the IGP's orders to retract the deployment of officers previously assigned to secure the Local Government Secretariats. The IGP's office emphasized that this move aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to uphold neutrality and ensure the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
The statement also clarified that police personnel will only return to these local government areas in the event of a crisis or significant law enforcement issue, at which point appropriate emergency protocols will be activated to restore order.
The Rivers State Police Command reassured residents of their ongoing dedication to maintaining peace throughout the state and reiterated their commitment to professional conduct while executing their responsibilities. I
