Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, Friday played host to members of House Committee on Police Affairs at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
This was coming as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Research and Planning, Leye Oyebade, and Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had led ‘operation clearing all the barricaded spots in volatile areas in the state.
The operation led to the clearing of the obstructions on major roads in order to create access for motorists and other road users, especially those on essential services.
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The House committee, led by its Chairman, Usman Bello Kumo, was at the Force Headquarters, as part of the oversight functions of the House of Representatives, to assess and advise on the ongoing reforms of the Nigeria Police Force and efforts at restoring normalcy to areas affected by violence arising from the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the country.
Adamu, who noted that the Force has commenced Comprehensive Internal Review and Evaluation of circumstances that led to the #EndSARS protests and the violence, fatalities and damage to critical infrastructure that emanated therefrom, apprised the committee on efforts made so far by the Force to restore normalcy and prevent future occurrence.
Some of these efforts, he mentioned include: strengthening the internal disciplinary mechanism of the Force, training of the newly formed Tactical Squad, debriefing and psychological/medical examination for operatives of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad and general improvement of police-citizen relationship, among others.
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Adamu reassured the committee as well as the Nigerian people that the Force was more than ever before, committed to police reforms and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all to live and thrive devoid of any violation of their fundamental human rights.
Responding, the committee expressed satisfaction at the efforts by the police chief in managing the #EndSARS protests and the ensuing violence but called for an all-inclusive approach at ensuring immediate end of the violence, improving police service delivery, rebuilding trust and public confidence and respect for human rights amongst others.
The lawmakers commiserated with Adamu over the loss of police personnel who died during the crisis and promised to work tirelessly with the Force to ensure an enabling environment for optimal performance by the police.
They called on other stakeholders including parents, guardians, online influencers, youth leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, etc to work with the police and government to bring a halt to the carnage on our streets and restore law and order.
The operation clearing all the barricaded spots in Lagos State was borne out of the need to clear the roads off barricades and taking charge of security of lives and property in the state due to the prevailing violent attacks on lives and property of the police, government and private individuals leaving many lives and property lost and damaged.
Oyebade and Odumosu visited some strategic places particularly the attacked Nigerian Correctional Custodial Centrenin Ikoyi, which was partly set on fire by the hoodlums, to assess the extent of damage and fortify the security of the centre to prevent jail break.
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The areas where they led the operation clearing the barricaded spots include: Falomo Roundabout, Sura-Adeniji and Ilubinrin end of Third Mainland Bridge, Iyana Oworo and Gbagada end of Ikorodu Expressway, Ojuelegba (Surulere) and Apongbon Bridge in the Lagos Island.
Odumosu, who appreciated Oyebade for his sterling leadership qualities and efforts in making sure that normalcy was restored to Lagos, condemned continuous attacks on police stations and public facilities as Ikotun Police Station was set ablaze Thursday by hoodlums.
He warned that the command would neutralise any moves that could jeopardise security architecture vis-a-vis maintenance of law and order in Lagos State.
Odumosu charged police officers and other security agents to be resolute in protection of lives and property and restoration of peace and public safety in the state.
Idowu Sowunmi
