By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 13 Police Command, Ukpo, Anambra State, AIG Mohammed Danmallam, has charged operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in the state to protect their armoury from hoodlums.

He gave the charge on Monday while addressing men and officers of the Anambra State Police Command during his visit to police divisions affected by the recent protests in parts of the country.

The protest which was hijacked by hoodlums led to the burning of about six police formations in the state with police officers killed.

Danmallam enjoined officers to use the opportunity of the current situation in the country to give the force a new face in all ramifications even as he harped on the need for them to shun corruption, extortion, extrajudicial killings and unlawful detention of suspects on simple offence.

He noted that the observation of those principles could help restore public confidence and dignity of the Nigeria Police Force.

A press statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nkeiruka Nwode, said: “The AIG commended the officers for the gallant discharge of their duties.

“He urged them to protect their armouries at all costs. He charged them not to be demoralized by the turn of events recently in the country and in Anambra State, precisely.

“He commended the DPOs for their firm stand against the vandalization of their stations by the marauding assailants while charging them to be appearing in their uniforms and ensure that they’re not overpowered by the hoodlums.”

DSP Nwode said that the AIG visited Ogidi Divisional Station, Central Police Station (CPS), Awka, B. Division, Awka, Revenue House and the Anambra State Command Headquarters, Amawbia, where he addressed officers on ground.