THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said it has arrested 97 members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ite group, for prosecution, following the clash between its personnel and the group members in Abuja on Sunday, August 25.
Recall that the clash led to the death of two policemen, with three sustaining serious injuries, while three Police patrol vehicles were set ablaze by the Shiites.
Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Adejobi (ACP), who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, August 26, in Abuja, said credible intelligence reports helped the Police operatives to apprehend the detained suspects, adding that the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, on the matter would be fully implemented.
Adejobi said the IGP had reaffirmed the Force’s determination to arrest other persons involved in the attack and bring them to justice, quoting him as vowing to resist all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country, even as he pledged to continue to maintain law and order across the country.
The Police spokesman noted that the unprovoked killings of Police officers in the line of duty were outrageous and unacceptable, saying anyone who murders policemen has murdered peace, adding: “As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers.”
Adejobi said Egbetokun sympathised with the grieving families of the fallen officers, while wishing those currently undergoing treatment speedy recovery.
He called on the public to support and understand the Police in its quest to maintain law and order, even in the face of extremist threats and other violent crimes.
