The acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has said the launching ‘Operation Restore Peace’ in Enugu yesterday, being the first zone in Nigeria was due to the high rate of banditry, kidnapping and other forms of security breaches being witnessed in the area lately.
The IGP also solicited for the support of sister security agencies to make the operation successful.
Code-named ‘Operation RP’ the security plan was launched at the Michael Okpara Square in Enugu, Enugu State.
He enjoined officers deployed for the operation to exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He also ordered them to be hard and ruthless in case of any counter operations from any armed group.
Part of the IGP’s remarks read:”It is with a deep sense of commitment to the spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our policing mandate that I address you on this occasion marking the flag-off of a Special Operational Action Plan which is code named ‘Operation RP’ for the stabilization of the security order in the South East Geopolitical Zone of our dear country.
“The people of South Eastern Nigeria are historically known to be peaceful, tolerant, innovative, industrious and entrepreneurial. They are highly respected citizens that have made their marks in the field of academics, scientific inventions and commerce. They are a unique ethnic group that freely and peacefully live with others across the country and within the South-East. Unfortunately, events of late have altered this positive narrative.
“The zone in recent years has been witnessing increasing cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and communal violence. This trend has of late been laced with inter-ethnic intolerance and separatist agitation as championed by the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.”
