The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive for the immediate tracking and arrest of those responsible for the deaths of two police officers during a recent procession by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shi’ite group.
The incident, which took place on Sunday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also left three other officers unconscious and hospitalized.
According to a statement released by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned the attack on police personnel, describing the killings as an assault on peace itself. “Those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace,” the statement read.
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The police have reported that the attack occurred during a Shi’ite procession in the Wuse area of Abuja. In response, law enforcement arrested 97 suspects and recovered several weapons used in the attack. The police, however, also face accusations from the Shi’ite group, which claims that their members were killed and injured by police during the procession.
The statement titled “Police Condemn Shi’ite Attack in Abuja, Order Operatives to Hunt for Sponsors, Killers of Policemen” highlighted the determination of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to bring the perpetrators to justice. The IGP reiterated the force’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the country, emphasizing that such acts of violence against police officers would not be tolerated.
“The unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable,” the statement continued. “As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of violence against police officers.”
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The IGP extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers and expressed hopes for the swift recovery of those injured. Adejobi stressed the importance of public support in the police’s efforts to combat extremism and violent crime, urging citizens to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure peace and security nationwide.
“The NPF seeks the support and understanding of the general public in its quest to maintain law and order, even in the face of extremist threats and other forms of violent crime across the country,” Adejobi concluded.
