Inspector-general of police Usman Baba has launched a new special security action plan known as Operation Restore Peace in the south-south region of the country.
The IGP, who flagged off the special operation on Wednesday at the Sharks Football Stadium, Port-Harcourt, noted that the move is a continuation of the implementation process of the special operation in the country.
He further said the operation in the south-south region was also targeted at stemming the tide of violent attacks and breakdown of law and order, and contain the heightened threats to lives and property occasioned by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and other criminal elements in the region.
A statement by the Force spokesman Frank Mba quoted the IGP condemning the increased cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, economic sabotage, and other threats to public safety bedeviling the region.
These crimes, the IGP observed, are in addition to series of violent attacks on security personnel and formation in the region.
He however expressed utmost belief that the new special operation action plan would re-order and stabilise security in the region, noting that personnel deployed for the operation have been charged to courageously and fiercely defend themselves and innocent citizens as well as critical national infrastructure against any arms-bearing criminal group or elements.
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike was represented by his deputy.
Other dignitaries at the flag-off ceremony include representatives of other governors of the south-south states, traditional rulers and clergymen.
