Pat Stevens/
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his administration’s support for the Nigeria Police Force despite reports of widespread acts of brutality, extortion and other human rights violations by police officers across the country.
In his first official reaction to the ongoing protests against police brutality by youths in major cities across the country, Buhari said majority of the men and women of the Nigeria Police are patriotic and committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
The President’s reaction was contained in a series of tweets via his verified handle, @MBuhari, after the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had briefed him and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the State House, in Abuja, this evening.
He said the police would continue to enjoy the support of his administration, while efforts are made to make police officers more accountable to the people.
The President tweeted, “I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt. I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people.
“The IG already has my firm instructions to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, & ensure erring personnel are brought to justice. I appeal for patience & calm, even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.
“The vast majority of men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are patriotic and committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, and we will continue to support them to do their job.”
The protests which entered its third consecutive day today has enjoyed the support of celebrities, professionals and opinion leaders in the country and beyond.
The protesters, some of whom have been harassed, teargassed and brutalised by overzealous police officers in the course of the protests, are calling for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), an elite unit of the Nigeria Police notorious for commiting majority of the recorded cars of human rights violations.
They are also demanding the overhaul of the nation’s entire policing structure.
One protestor and one police officer were killed yesterday during a protest in the Ughelli, Delta State.
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