IG condemns police, NSCDC clash in Osun, orders probe
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The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed displeasure over the confrontation between police officers and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.
PUNCH Online learnt that an NSCDC officer, identified simply as Owoeye, was reportedly assaulted while on guard duty in an estate and subsequently detained by the police.
The incident was said to have caused a dispute between the Osun Command of the NSCDC and the Nigeria Police Force.
The Osun State government later held a meeting with security heads to resolve the rift.
However, the IG, in a statement released on Saturday night by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, described the confrontation as unprofessional and directed the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Osogbo, to conduct a discreet investigation into the root cause of the incident.
He said, “The Inspector-General of Police expresses displeasure at the act of unprofessionalism and public display of division and has ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Osogbo, to conduct a discreet investigation into the root cause of the confrontation.
“It is pertinent to recall that in a press statement from the NPF, Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/257 dated 15th October 2023, IGP Holds Strategic Conference with Senior Police Officers, Emphasises Professionalism and Camaraderie, the IGP stressed the core importance of synergy for efficiency and productivity among security operatives, stating, ‘At this moment, I must stress the importance of esprit de corps – the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and shared purpose that binds us within our organisation and with our colleagues across other agencies. It is essential for the successful execution of our duties that we honour and respect all colleagues and members of other services within the confines of the law.’
“The IGP, however, calls for calm, as the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership will continually work in collaboration with relevant sister security agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for our dear country, Nigeria.”