Adamu orders AIGs, CPs to enforce COVID-19 health protection law

Mohammed Adamu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered police officers to enforce the COVID-19 health protection regulations 2021.

Frank Mba, the force public relations officer (FPRO), said this in a statement on Monday.

On January 26, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the COVID-19 health protection regulations 2021. The law prescribes a six-month jail term for persons convicted of violating any COVID-19 protocol.

The IGP ordered assistant inspectors-general of police (AIGs) in the 17 zonal commands and all state commissioners of police (CPs), including the federal capital territory (FCT) to carry out enforcement of the law.

“The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the seventeen (17) zonal commands and their constituent Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the FCT, Abuja,” the statement said.

“To carry out full enforcement of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed into law by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on 26th January, 2021.

“They are to ensure full compliance with the Regulations in their respective Areas of Responsibilities (AoR).

“They are to ensure full enforcement of the Regulations in public places – places of worship, workplace and schools, banks, public transport vehicles, hostels, boarding houses, detention centres, etc – and general restrictions on gatherings as well as the use of face mask.

“The IGP gave the order to the Strategic Police Managers following the directives by the President as contained in the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021 which mandates the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies of Government mentioned therein.”

Adamu was also said to have asked officers to do their job with politeness, empathy and professionalism.

“The IGP further cautions officers enforcing the Regulations to show tact, compassion and empathy with the citizens,” the statement said.

“He reiterates that the officers must be firm and professional and at the same time remain polite, civil and respect the fundamental rights of the citizens.”