IGP orders police to unseal rivers LG secretariats, withdraw security details

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of police personnel deployed to seal off Rivers State’s 23 local government areas.

The directive comes amid recent political developments in the state, according to a statement released Monday by Rivers State Command’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko.

The statement read, “In light of recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, conveys the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously stationed to secure the Local Government Secretariats.

“This decision reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s stance on neutrality and its dedication to ensuring the uninterrupted operation of democratic institutions.

“Police personnel will only be redeployed in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order. In such cases, emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy.

“The Rivers State Police Command assures the public of its commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the state and will continue to act professionally. We urge residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation unfolds.”