The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate withdrawal of officers previously deployed to secure the 23 local government secretariats in Rivers State.
This order follows recent political developments in the state.
According to DailyPost, the directive was communicated on Monday through a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko.
The statement added that the newly appointed Commissioner of Police for the state, Bala Mustapha, conveyed the IGP’s instructions.
Mustapha stated, “The Inspector General of Police has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to secure and seal off local government secretariats in Rivers State.”
The decision was made to align with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining neutrality in political matters and supporting the smooth operation of democratic institutions, the statement explained.
The Rivers State Command reassured the public that the officers would only return to these areas in the event of a crisis or any breakdown of law and order, adding that emergency measures would be swiftly deployed if needed.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring peace and stability across the state while continuing to act professionally in the discharge of its duties,” Iringe-Koko said.
Citizens and stakeholders were urged to stay calm and law-abiding as the situation develops.
