The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has ordered the immediate suspension till further notice special protection for political office holders and very important persons in some states in the South-East and South-South.
TrackNews Online reports that the order was sequel to the unceasing 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 (IPOB).
Since December 2020, no fewer than 12 police stations have been set ablaze while over 40 security personnel were killed by gunmen and scores of firearms stolen in the wave of attacks on security formations in the region.
The suspension of special protection 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.
According to the message, the police ordered its operatives not to accompany their principals to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers States until the security situation improved in the areas.
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.’’
