IGP deploys four riot police squadrons, chopper in Oyo

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate deployment of four units of riot policemen to address the violence in parts of Oyo State.

The intervention and stabilization forces also include the Force Intelligence Bureau operatives and one surveillance helicopter from the police airwing department.

Oyo State has been lately wracked by violence, including the killings of farmers by suspected herdsmen, abductions and the clashes between some Hausa and Yoruba traders at Shasha market.

But the force spokesman, CP Frank Mba, in a statement on Monday, titled, ‘Oyo crisis: IGP deploys intervention and stabilization forces,’ said the operatives would reclaim the public space, reinforce security and bolster public confidence in the areas affected by the crisis.

It stated, “The deployments, consisting largely of intelligence and operational assets of the Force, include four units of the Police Mobile Force, seasoned operatives from the Force Intelligence Bureau and one operational/surveillance police helicopter from the police Air-wing department.

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“The intervention force is being coordinated by a Deputy Inspector General of Police, David Folawiyo, who is expected to mobilize all relevant stakeholders towards achieving the mandate of the squad.”

The statement said the IG assured that the force was committed to the safety of the lives and properties of the citizens in the country.

He called on the citizens and residents of Oyo State and other Nigerians to embrace peace and cooperate with the police and the security community “as they redouble their efforts in ensuring that sustainable peace and security are restored to the affected areas.”