8th April, 2014
Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered massive deployment of personnel to Zamfara state to tackle the recurring attacks in some communities.
The deployment was contained in a statement by CSP Frank Mba, Public Relations Officer, in Abuja.
Mba said the Special Forces comprising 10 units of Police Mobile Force, three units of conventional police, a unit of counter-terrorism personnel were immediately being deployed to the state.
He said that Border Patrol Teams and Force Intelligence personnel drawn from various squadrons and commands were being drafted to reinforce the operation of existing force in the affected areas.
“In addition, the Air Wing of the Nigeria Police will commence aerial patrol and surveillance in order to effectively monitor the situation,’’ he said.
Mba said the IG issued the directive in response to security assessment report of the affected areas, adding that he had ordered extensive covert operations from the Force Intelligence Bureau. “The Border Patrol Teams are to maintain adequate surveillance of all border areas around Zamfara to forestall further infiltration and escape of marauders through the borders,” he said.
He commiserated with the families of the victims of the attack and urged the people to cooperate with the force in restoring peace to the affected areas.
On 5 April, gunmen invaded some communities in Zamfara killing over 30 people during a community meeting. A reconciliatory committee was set up by the police and headed by Deputy Iinspector-General Michael Zuokumor to reach out to communities in states witnessing attacks.
The mandate of the committee is to ensure permanent peace in those areas.