Olawale Olokode, commissioner of police in Osun, says since suspected hoodlums hijacked the #EndSARS protest and attacked officers, criminals now confront security operatives at will.
There was a nationwide protest in 2020 against police brutality, particularly regarding the operations of the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS), under the #EndSARS campaign.
Some suspected hoodlums had also taken advantage of the protest to destroy public structures.
In recent weeks, police officers and their stations have come under attack by suspected hoodlums.
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Speaking during a radio show on Tuesday, Olokode said criminals now dare security officers, whether or not the officers are in uniform or they carry arms.
“There is a kind of hatred for the police, and many false reports and allegations have been levelled against officers and men of the force,” he said.
“Some members of the public that are bad are now emboldened to face any uniform agent, be it military or police, irrespective of whether they are carrying arms or not.
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“The action of these hoodlums is at the expense of their lives because the inspector-general of police has given a directive that police officers should also protect their own lives when under attack.
“Look at the #EndSARS saga when people confronted the police, killed and destroyed police facilities. Those that want to attack or vent their anger on the police should think twice now because officers have been instructed to protect their lives as their lives are also important too.
“The IG has also said we should not fold our hands and be killed by attacking hoodlums.”
Speaking on the issue of securing lives and properties in Osun, Olokode said security architecture has been strengthened in the state.
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He said the police was established to detect and prevent crimes, adding that his officers are constantly undergoing training in the aspect of handling firearms, so as to serve and protect law-abiding citizens in the state.
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