The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has ordered an immediate clampdown on persons or group of persons inciting violence and social disorder across the country, and the arrest of any person not listed in the categories of persons authourised to use siren in the country.

These directives were contained in separate statements issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, an acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, in Abuja on Thursday.

The statement explained that the directive became imperative because of recent activities of members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign States of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in some parts of the country.

It said that the order empowered the police to arrest anybody fomenting any act of violence or disorder, or any act inimical to the security of the nation.

The statement said that the following arrests had been made; Anambra four, Imo six, Delta11, and Abia one.

It further warned that all persons so arrested for inciting violence, irrespective of their class or status in the society would be charged to court accordingly.

Concerning unauthourised use of siren, it would be recalled that the Federal Government had in 2012 listed the categories of persons entitled to use siren.

They are; President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, their deputies, state governors and service chiefs.

Others are: the Inspector-General of Police, General Officers Commanding, Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), as well as Commissioners of Police.

Kolawole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the police would rely on the government circular on use of siren.

“We will still go by the Federal government circular in implementing the directive.”

She said that the rate at which siren was being used in the country had reduced drastically because of the efforts of the police.

Kolawole warned that the police would not hesitate to arrest any unauthourised persons found using the siren.

“The police will not relent in their effort to carry out their duty.”

She stressed that the police would always be on its guard to enforce law and order in the country.

“I just want to let you know that this current police administration will not condone any act of public disorder.”

She urged motorists not to pay money for permit for the use of vehicles with tinted glasses, as it was free.

Kolawole said that the only authourity with the sole right to issue the permit were; the Inspector-General of Police and state commissioners of police.

She advised motorists to take advantage of the whistle blowing platform opportunity to report to the police any personnel who demanded money from them.

“We are saying that if people were paying before they should not do that any longer.” (NAN)

•Photo shows IGP Arase.

Update news