The Nigeria Police Force has detained 97 members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), known as the Shi’ite group, following a violent clash in Abuja on Sunday. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of two police officers, with three others sustaining serious injuries. The group also set ablaze three police patrol vehicles during the altercation.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed the detentions, attributing the arrests to credible intelligence reports. He emphasized that the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident and pledged that those involved in the attack would be brought to justice. The I-G reiterated the police force’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the country, vowing to resist any attempts to create anarchy or unrest.
“The unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable,” Adejobi quoted the I-G as saying. “Those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace.”
The police spokesperson further assured that the force is determined to uncover the full extent of the attack and take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Inspector-General also extended his sympathies to the families of the fallen officers and wished a swift recovery to those injured.
Adejobi called on the public to support the Nigeria Police Force in its efforts to maintain peace and security, especially in the face of extremist threats and other violent crimes.
