News
Police get IGP nod to fight back if attacked
The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has told the police to protect themselves when attacked.
The order came on Friday against the backdrop of the killing of 22 policemen and burning of 205 police stations and other security formations during the EndSARS riots across the country.
He stated this during a visit to the police command of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to assess the level of damage during the EndSARS protest.
He commended officers and men of the force for their resilience and professionalism during the protest.
The IGP said the Federal Government was relying on the police to ensure that the public space was not taken over by criminals.
He said, “No amount of provocation and insult will make us shy away from our responsibilities. Inasmuch as we are aware that the government is behind us, we will encourage you to continue to be professional and civic in performing your duties.
“But if anybody touches or assaults you, you can also protect yourself because when we talk of human right, the police are human; so the rights of police officers should also be protected. We are sending the message that legally, we have the right to protect ourselves,” he said.
He said the visit was to commiserate with the officers and men of the command for the loss of lives and property during the protests.
“I have seen how you went out to deal with very difficult situation in trying to maintain peace, law and order in the FCT during the protest,” he said.
The IGP said that during the protest, some roads were blocked; some vehicles were burnt and police stations in some parts of the country, including the FCT, were burnt with police officers assaulted. Adamu said the destruction and other criminal activities was done because the protesters were waiting for the police to react.
He said, “I know how you went about protecting the protesters so that they would not be molested, but along the line, the protesters attacked not only members of the public but also police officers.
“These are criminal activities by the protesters wanting to provoke police personnel to use maximum force against them to justify police brutality.
“But with your resilience and professionalism, you were able to show maximum restrain and meet up with the standard that is required in curbing protest without using force.”
The Commissioner of Police at the FCT, Mr Bala Ciroma, commended the IGP for the visit, adding that the command arrested and had arraigned 196 suspects in connection with the riot.
The IGP said 22 police personnel were killed and scores of others injured during the EndSARS protests in different locations across the country. The police chief stated this on the heels of a report by Amnesty International that police personnel shot at peaceful protesters during the rallies.
Adamu, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mba, said that 205 police stations and formations, including other critical private and public infrastructure, were also damaged by a section of the protesters.
The IGP, who faulted the Amnesty International’s report, claimed that many of the personnel injured during the protests were in life-threatening conditions in hospitals.
He described the report as untrue, misleading and contrary to all available empirical evidence.
The statement reads in part: “Officers of the Nigeria Police Force acted professionally, exercised commendable restraints and some paid the supreme price for peace during the recent protests and ensuing violence in some parts of the country. “During the protests, officers of the Force used legitimate means to ensure that the protests were carried out in a peaceful manner and in most cases, physically protected and walked side-by-side with the protesters.
“Even when the protests turned violent in some parts of the country, the officers still maintained utmost restraint and did not use excessive force in managing the situations.
“Available reports show that twenty-two (22) police personnel were extra-judicially killed by some rampaging protesters and scores injured during the protests. Many of the injured personnel are in life-threatening conditions at the hospitals.
“Two hundred and five (205) police stations and formations, including other critical private and public infrastructure, were also damaged by a section of the protesters. Despite these unprovoked attacks, our police officers never resorted to use of unlawful force or shooting at the protesters as alleged in the report.”
News
JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week
JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Sunday to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
President Tinubu touched down at 2:14 a.m. local time and was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” this year’s ADSW summit will see President Tinubu highlighting Nigeria’s achievements and reforms in energy sufficiency, transportation modernization, public health improvements, and economic development.
READ ALSO:
- Police worry over increasing number of missing persons in Ogun
- Killers of Uber, Bolt drivers nabbed in Lagos
- How female passenger narrowly escaped lynching after grounding Abuja-bound flight
His presence underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global challenges through sustainable and cooperative strategies.
During the summit, the President is expected to hold bilateral discussions with UAE leaders, focusing on strengthening ties and exploring shared opportunities.
President Tinubu is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and other senior officials.
He is slated to return to Nigeria on Thursday, January 16.
ADSW 2025, a globally recognized event for sustainability innovation, brings together business leaders and civil society representatives to advance sustainable development and foster economic progress.
Over its 15-year history, the summit has established itself as a key platform for forging partnerships and driving impactful initiatives in clean energy and global growth.
JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week
News
Delta Gov Oborevweri sacks commissioner for information
Delta Gov Oborevweri sacks commissioner for information
Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevweri, has sacked his Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza.
The governor has reportedly directed the state Commissioner for Works (Rural roads), Charles Aniagwu, to take over the affairs of the ministry.
Director General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communication, Dr. Fred Latimor Oghenesivbe, confirmed the development.
“Charles Aniagwu will take over the two ministries (Works and Information) for the meantime,” he stated.
It was learnt that Osuoza was sacked after a series of complaints of alleged incompetence.
Aniagwu had served as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and Commissioner for Information during ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s eight year tenure.
News
Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support
Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has assured Ghana’s newly inaugurated President, John Dramani Mahama, that he can count on Nigeria’s support.
The remark was made on Tuesday during Mahama’s inauguration ceremony at the Black Star Square in Accra.
He noted that Ghana has answered the question of whether Africa is capable of democratic and productive endeavors, and that it is time for Africa’s critics to stop asking the continent to prove itself.
The Nigerian president emphasized the importance of African unity and cooperation, adding that the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is a guiding spirit for African progress. Tinubu urged African nations to avoid conflict and choose peaceful dialogue to resolve differences while resisting external forces that seek to divide them.
Addressing Mahama, Tinubu said, “My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time you call on me. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you.”
Tinubu’s remarks read:
It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him.
READ ALSO:
- Container falls on tricycle in Ogbomoso, three die
- Police arrest ex-convict, two others plotting to burgle Minna shop
- Family of 4 perishes in Abuja car accident
We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.
Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.
The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.
While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.
READ ALSO:
- Eyewitness claims student brought bomb in Abuja school explosion
- Bayelsa boat mishap: Navy rescues 9, recovers rifles
- NYSC DG tells Corps members to expect N77k monthly stipend soon
The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.
May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders.
Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.
Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.
President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.
May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region.
I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people. I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.
Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.
May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.
God bless Ghana and its Beloved People.
God bless Nigeria and its Beloved People
God bless ECOWAS
God bless our Beloved Africa.
I thank you for your kind attention.
Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support
-
Politics3 days agoJust in: Lawmakers impeach Lagos Speaker Obasa
-
metro3 days agoGospel singer Temileyin caught with severed head of girlfriend in Abuja
-
Education2 days agoJAMB faults claims of ‘humongous spending’ on meals, fumigation, others in 2024
-
metro3 days agoIbadan stampede: Finally, court grants Naomi, Oriyomi, principal bail
-
metro3 days agoMakinde presents staff of office to new Alaafin [Photos]
-
metro2 days agoSenate committee concludes deliberations on tax reform bills
-
metro3 days ago5 things you need to know about 44-year-old Mojisola Meranda, 1st Lagos Assembly female speaker
-
metro21 hours ago
Why I have no regrets killing Salome Adaidu – Timileyin Ajayi
You must be logged in to post a comment Login