Nigeria Police Force has commenced nationwide clearance operations following the recent training and retraining of personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF).
Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday.
CSP Iniedu said the clearance operations involve deployment of tactical personnel to identified criminal hideouts, vulnerable locations and other areas of security concern, with the aim of disrupting banditry, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities, denying criminal elements freedom of action and strengthening security across communities.
The exercise has commenced with a pilot operation at Alagye Village, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following intelligence on a suspected kidnappers’ camp within a forest in the area. Police personnel conducted a tactical survey and clearance of the identified location, which was found deserted at the time of the operation.
He said the exercise will be replicated across State Commands in line with prevailing security realities.
The Force spokesman added that the deployments will be intelligence-led, while personnel are expected to maintain strict adherence to professionalism, human rights and the rule of law.
He quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, as charging participating personnel to sustain pressure on bandits and other criminal networks, deny them freedom of action and ensure that the operations translate into improved safety for communities. He further directed officers to remain disciplined, professional and responsive throughout the exercise.
Members of the public are advised to cooperate with Police personnel during the operations and provide credible information that may assist ongoing security efforts. The Nigeria Police Force will continue to provide updates on the clearance operations as they progress across State Commands.
The Nigeria Police Force said it remains committed to the continuous deployment of trained personnel and operational resources towards combating banditry and other violent crimes, protecting lives and property, and strengthening security nationwide.
