Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), has deployed police officers across the country as a way of stopping the spread of the tense situation in Abia and Rivers states.
Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and security operatives have repeatedly clashed in recent days.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday after briefing Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on the situation, the IGP said: “The strategy we are using is to ensure that we deploy policemen throughout the country. Secondly, we are in touch with the government.
“We are trying to mobilise the political leadership to be able to intervene where necessary in how to reduce the tension that is already taking place in the south-east.”
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Just as the IGP issued the directive, Anthony Ogbizi assumed office as the new commissioner of police in Abia state.
Ogbizi took over from Adeleye Oyebade after a brief handover ceremony at the command’s headquarters in Umuahia.
Ogbizi, who warned the agitators against the clamour for the disintegration of the country, said there would never be “a republic within a republic”.
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On his part, Oyebade expressed gratitude to the IGP for the opportunity to serve in the state.
He urged the officers of the command to give the new commissioner their maximum support and cooperation to enable him to tackle crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and child trafficking.
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