THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has asked police operatives to use their firearms when their life is in danger.
According to the IGP, “One of the ways you should use your firearms will be when your life is in danger and there is no other way to escape.
“It does not make sense for a policeman to die, while he is carrying a rifle.”
Adamu spoke on Wednesday in Benin City, Edo State, while addressing police officers at the state police command during his working visit to boost their morale.
He was accompanied by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu; Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 5, Shola David, and Commissioner of Police Babatunde Kokumo.
“The attacks on the police and police stations were to demoralise you (policemen) to humiliate you and to make you feel that you do not have support at all in the members of the public, but it is not the case.
“Policemen are special breeds in this country because they are specially trained to do the duties that other people are not able to do.
“That is why despite all these attacks on you, you absorbed them, you came out and you are doing your lawful duties of maintaining law and order, and making sure that crimes are not committed within the society.
“I encourage you to continue to do that.
“Do not be demoralised.
“You do not need to leave the public space open for criminals to take charge. You need to occupy everywhere.
“Do not forget Force Order 237; read and digest it very well and know when you should use firearms.
“Use your firearms in a lawful manner, because you are law-enforcement agents.
‘’When you use your firearms wrongly, that is when you will see people protesting,” he said.
Seven police stations were burnt in Benin City by thugs, while several security vehicles were also burnt during the #EndSARS protest.