Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Osogbo to investigate the cause of the recent confrontation between officers of the Nigeria Police Force and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State.
The IG in a statement issued through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, late Saturday evening, reminded policemen that in executing their duties successfully, it is essential that they honor and respect all colleagues and members of other services within the confines of the law.
While he sues for peace, he assured that the police would continue to work in collaboration with relevant sister security agencies with a view to achieving a safe and secure environment for Nigeria.
Police officers and NSCDC personnel were recently captured on camera engaging in a fight.
It was gathered that the incident occurred during the week at Elizabeth Estate, Abere in Osogbo.
It was learnt that some policemen had stormed the area to arrest a resident but were allegedly stopped by NSCDC operatives.
However, the officers returned two days later to attack the civil defence corps members.
In the video, the security operatives are seen exchanging blows.
The statement reads in part: “In response to a viral video of public confrontation between Officers of the Nigeria Police Force and Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osogbo, Osun State, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, expresses displeasure at the act of unprofessionalism and public display of dichotomy.
“He has ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in-charge of Zone 11, Osogbo to carry out a discreet investigation into the root cause of the confrontation.
“It is pertinent to recall that in a press statement from the NPF, Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/257 dated 15th October, 2023 ‘IGP HOLDS STRATEGIC CONFERENCE WITH SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS, harps on professionalism, camaraderie’, the IGP while strongly emphasizing the core essentials of synergy for efficiency and productivity among security operatives stated thus –
“’At this moment, I must stress the importance of ‘esprit de corps’ – the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and shared purpose that binds us within our organization and with our colleagues across other agencies.
“’It is essential for the successful execution of our duties that we honor and respect all colleagues and members of other services within the confines of the law’.
“The IGP however calls for calm as the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership would continually work in collaboration with relevant sister security agencies towards ensuring we achieve a safe and secure environment for our dear country Nigeria.”
Sahara Reporters