XENOPHOBIA: IGP dispatches policemen to embassies, foreign-owned businesses

Following the attack on foreign-owned business outlets, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered water-tight security around embassies, foreign missions, foreigners and their businesses within the country.

Some youths who were angered by the xenophobic attack on Nigerians in South Africa, on Tuesday, stormed the outlets of Shoprite at Lekki and Surulere areas of Lagos state.

A statement on Wednesday by Frank Mba, the Force spokesman, noted that they attacked and looted the malls ostensibly under the pretext of protesting against the incessant “xenophobic” attacks in South Africa.

“To this end, all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police across the Federation have been placed on red alert to ensure no similar violence is replicated within the country”, it said.

READ ALSO: #XenophobiaInSouthAfrica: Ohanaeze Youth Council tells Ndigbo to resort to self defence

The IGP condemned the violent attacks and noted that three police officers were seriously injured and a police operational vehicle set ablaze.

He also revealed that a total number of 125 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident, while a good number of looted valuables have been recovered by the police.

“While recognizing the rights of citizens to air their views on salient national issues as enshrined in our statutes, the Force reiterates that these must be done within the confines of the law”, it added.

The statement added that the Force had commenced investigations and profiling of the arrested suspects with a view to establishing their connection with the stealing, malicious damage, arson and disturbance of public peace on the day of the incident.

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