Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the full enforcement of COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The law, signed on January 26, stipulates that anyone caught violating the COVID19 protocols should be arrested and stands the risk of paying a fine or going to jail for six months or both.
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The order was to Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the 17 zonal commands and their constituent Commissioners of Police in 36 States of Federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba, on Monday, they are to ensure full compliance with the Regulations in their respective Areas of Responsibilities (AoR).
The statement reads;
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.
