AIG Zone 2 goes tough on herdsmen, gives stern warning

Joy Anyim

AIG Adamu gave the warning while briefing journalists, on Monday, at the zone 2 police command, Onikan Lagos State.

Speaking on the measures the zone has taken to avoid the herdsmen menace, the AIG said, “ all hands are on deck to ensure herdsmen do not infiltrate the zone’s AOR.”

According to Adamu, although herdsmen attack has become a major concern especially as the herders now terrorise many western states,  he however warned saying, “Any herdsmen that thinks he will find it pleasant to come to Lagos or Ogun will not succeed. Lagos and Ogun is battle ready, there is no place for them.”

While speaking on the successes of ‘Operation Puff Adder’ in Lagos and Ogun, in the last one month, Adamu disclosed that a total of 100 locally made rifles, 45 pump action rifles, 8 AK47 rifles, 450 pieces of catridges, assorted charms and cutlasses were recovered from hoodlums.

Parading over 20 suspects, the AIG said the suspects were made up of kidnappers and armed robbery suspects, who go about terrorising  law-abiding citizens.

On what ‘operation puff adder’ hopes to achieve, he said, “ The operation puff adder which was recently launched by both Lagos and Ogun state commands is aimed at fighting violent crimes including the menace of herdsmen/farmers crises, kidnapping, armed robbery cultism, banditry, land grabbing, rape among others.

“All the seizures here, were made as a result of the operation. We are serious about it and it is to ensure the safety of lives.”

Emphasizsng on the need for people to provide the police with relevant information, Adamu also called on residents of Lagos and Ogun to desist from spreading fake news.

Making reference to social media, Adamu advised people to desist from  sharing rumour on social media, especially if such relates to crime.

He said the appropriate authority should be consulted to verify the authenticity of any event seen on social media.

To also ensure police personnel in the zone conduct themselves in line with International best practice during the operation, Adamu said, “ We have organised local training and retraining of our personnel on required operational skills and knowledge.

“ The monitoring and X-squad have been directed to our policemen, either on patrols or essential duties, to ensure conformity to non-corruptible bahaviour of men.

“Moreso, commissioners of police in charge of Lagos and Ogun states commands have been seriously warned to be proactive and alive to their responsibilty as any dereliction will be viewed with seriousness.”