Security
Police suspend special protection for VIPs in the South-East, South-South
The Nigerian Police Command have suspended till further notice, special protection for political office holders and very important persons in some states in the South-East and South-South.
Officers have been ordered not to accompany their principals to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers States until the security situation improved in the areas.
The directive follows the increasing attacks on security operatives and formations in the South-East and part of South-South zones by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The directive was contained in a wireless message with reference CB: 0900/DTS/DOPS/VOL.47/812X, titled, ‘Attack on policemen, snatching of rifles by IPOB,’ issued by the Commissioner of Police, Asaba, Delta State.
The signal was copied to the Chief Security Officer, Government House, Chief Superintendent of Police, Department of Operations, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Delta State House of Assembly, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation annex, among others.
The wireless message read, “Sequel to the incessant attacks on policemen and snatching of arms and ammunition by the proscribed IPOB/ESN (Eastern Security Network) elements in the eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers, COMPOL DOPS directs you warn personnel that escort of their principals to the six eastern states is suspended forthwith until security situation improves. Ensure strict compliance, please.’’
Police spokesman, Frank Mba, who confirmed the directive, said ‘’If unknown gunmen as you people normally put it, numbering like 12 or 20 launch an attack on an escort of two men, surely they will overwhelm them because they will outnumber you and outgun you. This is the issue the directive was trying to cure.’’
Since December 2020, about 12 police stations have been attacked and burned while more than 40 security personnel have been killed by gunmen and firearms stolen in the South-East and South-South regions.
