By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
The Nigerian Police have been reminded that their firearms were for self-defence and not to kill.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, gave the advice
at Ogun Command Headquarters, Eleweran.
The Police bose, who arrived the command in a Police Chopper few minutes after 4pm on Thursday, also advised them to be professional always, while performing their duties.
The Police IG was received by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Ahmed Iliyasu, Deputy Inspector General, Southwest, Leye Oyebade and Commissioner of Police Edward Ajogun.
Adamu, who addressed men and officers of the Command, enjoined them to be “courageous, firm and professional” in discharging their duty.
He however assured they would not only enjoy health insurance, while in active service but also in their retirements.
His words: “Don’t be discouraged, come out in full and perform your duties, nobody can do it, it is your constitutional responsibility and you must do it. No amount of intimidation can prevent us from doing our job.
“Nobody can demoralise us, nobody can prevent or make us shy away from performing our duties. The responsibility of protecting lives and property is given to the police and you are licensed to carry arms.
“We are encouraging you to go out there and perform your duties without fear or favour and without being afraid of any victimisation.
“Be courageous, be civil and be calm and follow the procedures in performing your duties.
“Your arms are supposed to be used to protect lives and property. Constitutionally when there is violent protest, the constitution allows you to use your firearm, when individuals or group of people are unlawful, you are allowed to use your firearm.
“In defence of yourself and you have no other means to escape from any attack, you are allowed to use your firearm but you are not allowed to kill. As police officers you are not allowed to kill, when you use your firearm you are supposed to maim.
“You should not shy away from using your firearms for these purposes but don’t kill.
“If in the process of performing your duties, a mistake comes up, and we know that you followed all the necessary procedures, we shall be behind you; we shall support and make sure that you are not molested.”