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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu gave a directive to police officers to guarantee the absolute enforcement of the COVID19 Health Protection Regulations 2021 endorsed into law by President Buhari, last Tuesday, January 26.

The law specifies that anyone caught breaking the COVID19 protocols should be arrested and stands the risk of paying a fine or going to jail for six months or both.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, the order was to Assistant IGPs in the 17 zonal commands and their constituent Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The IGP directed them to ensure full compliance with the Regulations in their respective Areas of Responsibilities (AoR)

The statement reads

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered the Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the seventeen (17) zonal commands and their constituent Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to carry out full enforcement of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed into law by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR on 26th January 2021. They are to ensure full compliance with the Regulations in their respective Areas of Responsibilities (AoR).”

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“The IGP gave the order to the Strategic Police Managers following the directives by the President as contained in the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021 which mandates the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies of Government mentioned therein to ensure full enforcement of the Regulations in public places – places of worship, workplace and schools, banks, public transport vehicles, hostels, boarding houses, detention centres, etc – and general restrictions on gatherings as well as the use of face mask.”

“The IGP, while noting that the uncertainty and risks engendered by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic have placed additional responsibilities on the general public, calls on citizens to voluntarily comply with the provisions of the Regulations for the safety of all. The IGP further cautions officers enforcing the Regulations to show tact, compassion and empathy with the citizens. He reiterates that the officers must be firm and professional and at the same time remain polite, civil and respect the fundamental rights of the citizens.”