The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police personnel previously stationed to seal off the 23 local government areas in Rivers State.
The police presence was established in June following a conflict between Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former local government chairmen aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This directive was communicated on Monday through a statement by Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Command.
It indicated that the order comes in light of recent political developments in the state. Newly appointed State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, conveyed IGP Egbetokun’s directive for the withdrawal of all personnel assigned to secure the Local Government Secretariats.
The statement highlighted that this decision aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring neutrality and supporting the smooth functioning of democratic institutions.
It further noted that police personnel would only be redeployed if a crisis or breakdown of law and order occurs, at which point emergency measures would be enacted to restore normalcy.
The Rivers State Command assured the public of its dedication to maintaining peace and order while emphasizing its professionalism. Residents and stakeholders were urged to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation develops.
