In defence of the alleged abandonment of internal security operations by the police, the Nigeria Police Force has noted that its operatives are working in tandem with military operatives to rid the country of insurgency.
Some security experts had in recent times alleged that the military has been at the forefront in the fight against insecurity and banditry in the country while querying the police for allegedly neglecting its primary role to secure the country internally.
Reacting to this, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, during a Channels TV programme ‘Sunrise Daily,’ on Tuesday, disclosed its synergy with the military towards ending the menace which has led to widespread chaos across rural communities especially in the northern part of the country.
Adejobi detailed how the police had been working with the armed forces towards ensuring the security of the country and stability of the economy, adding that the police have not been sidelined from the anti-terrorism fight by the government or the military.
He said, “The Police have not been sidelined in any way, but people need to understand the complexities of insecurity today. Despite being a major military issue due to the weaponry involved, there are still more than 5,000 special forces policemen working with the military and with most theatre operations and they work together.
“By pronouncement of the federal government, bandits, IPOB, and ESN carry out acts of terrorism, and they have been declared terrorists. So, the police are not expected to be at the forefront in the fight against them but the military.
“Kidnappers have not been declared terrorists, we’ve arrested more than 3,250 kidnappers since the IGP resumed office. More than 4000 armed robbery suspects and thousands of ammunition were recovered from them.
“Things are getting complicated. Before now, when people have disagreements, they talk it out and settle it. Now, people rather stab or kill one another instead of resolving issues.
“The Police fight kidnapping, armed robbery, car thefts, cultism, and domestic violence. We’ve arrested more than 11,000 cultists. 78,000 cases in court. And about 57 active cases under prosecution. And we have recorded several prosecutions.“
