The Inspector – General of Police ( IGP) Muhammed Adamu has warned that the police would go tough on and be ruthless on criminals, especially those operating on Abuja /Kaduna Expressway.
He charged the police to be firm and ruthless with criminal elements that may attempt to take the risk of testing their will or threatening the citizens within their areas of Jurisdiction
The IGP who gave a serious warning to criminals at the weekend during the official launching of operation ‘Puff Adder ‘ a tactical special operation to deal with hoodlums operating on Abuja /Kaduna Expressway at Katari town along the Expressway said : ” To the criminal elements, let me sound this note of warning loud and clear. Give up your criminal activities, embrace other legitimate means of livelihood or be prepared for the consequences of your criminality”.
Adamu who called for the full support of the members of the public on the fight against kidnappers said: ” In order to fully achieve the objectives of this special operation, however, we need the full support of the civil populace, particularly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths associations, market bodies, cultural associations and professionals among others .
“With this Massive deployment of Police Mobile Force (PMF)Special Forces, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and and other technical intelligence assets of the force with Relevant Air Power(RAR), Its going to be Serious bad news for the notorious kidnappers who recently relocated to this axis . The citizens and the police are now United in their resolve to, take the battle to your doorsteps and bring you to deserved justice.
“Criminals are not spirits. They are human beings that live within us. They socialize with us and are known to us. While we, as security agents will provide the lead in the prevention and detection of crimes, the public should provide us with credible information. The farthest we can go in this task is dependent on the commitment of the citizens across all communities to volunteer quality information to law enforcement agents.
“We should appreciate that hoarding criminal information, providing a safe haven for criminals, or acting as accomplices in any form is tantamount to riding on the back of a hungry tiger and endangering not just oneself as an individual, but the entire community.
“Permit me to also use this opportunity to especially appeal for the support and understanding of media practitioners across the print, electronic and social media. While their roles in advancing the freedom of information principle are appreciated, patriotism and ethical values place an obligation on them to avoid sensational and unverified reportage of internal security issues. This is because, it can mislead and create an unjustifiable sense of insecurity among the citizens, while in some instances, such can place criminals at an advantage in the war against criminality in the country.
“We, therefore, call on all citizens to resolve to collaborate with the police in attaining the objectives of ‘Operation Puff Adder’ and in our commonly shared commitment to public safety. The operation covers Abuja-KADUNA highway and the adjoining communities and it extends to Kogi, Katsina, Niger and Zamfara states. As we commence the operation today, we appeal to drivers, commuters and indeed, all citizens that may come in contact with police officers to cooperate with them and take their advice seriously.
Obey all instructions and pieces of security advice from them, especially while traveling on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, and to cooperate and show understanding in the interests of their personal safety and public security.
“To the police officers and men deployed on this special operation, I charge you all to see your deployment as a call to national duty. The Force leadership and indeed, the entire nation are looking out for two major outcomes as you discharge your duties during this operation. First, to protect them from kidnappers, armed robbers, and other heinous criminals. Second, to be professional in your conducts as you strive to attain this objective.
“You have all been exposed to specialized training to prepare you for this special operation and I can assure you that adequate provision has been made for your welfare during the exercise. I nonetheless, commit you to the safe hands of Almighty God as you rededicate yourselves to the service of the nation.
“You are, therefore, charged to be civil with the law abiding citizens, but firm and ruthless with criminal elements that may attempt to take the risk of testing your will or threatening the citizens within your area of Jurisdiction.
