The Nigeria Police Force has clarified its decision to withdraw personnel from the 23 local government areas in Rivers State, stating that the move is aimed at ensuring neutrality amid recent political developments in the State.
In a statement issued by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, emphasized the importance of maintaining an impartial stance
“The newly deployed State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, conveyed the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the Local Government Secretariats in the state,” the statement read.
The police reiterated that this decision “is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.”
They also noted that personnel would only be redeployed to those areas in the event of a crisis or breakdown of law and order
The Rivers State Command also assured the public of its ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and order, urging residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding.