close
Friday, March 21, 2025

Rivers Emergency Order: Any protest will be met with full force, says IGP Egbetokun

The president declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, sacking the governor and all elected lawmakers.

• March 20, 2025
IGP Egbetokun
IGP Kayode Egbetokun [Credit; Thisday live]

On 18th March, 2025, a state of emergency was declared in Rivers state by the President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Prior to this declaration, the Nigeria police force has been monitoring the imminent threats to public order and safety in Rivers state, receiving and sharing intelligence with other security agencies.

The series of events that cumulated into this declaration were direct consequences of the political crisis that has engulfed the state in the last 22 months. These events have clearly made out a case of a state that has reached a tripping point, necessitating a timely intervention to avert a total breakdown of law and order in Rivers State which could have broader implications for National Security.

In response, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, has ordered the immediate deployment of additional personnel and resources to Rivers State. This effort, undertaken in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, is intended to bolster security, protect lives and property, and secure critical infrastructure in the state

The Nigeria Police Force emphasizes that aggrieved Individuals retain the right to seek legal redress through the appropriate judicial channels. Consequently, any attempt to exploit the situation through unlawful gatherings, protests, or activities to disrupt public peace will be met with the full force of the law. Citizens are urged to remain law-abiding, comply with all legal directives, and continue their daily activities without fear.

The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining peace and security. Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities that may compromise public safety.

Individuals or groups with criminal intent are hereby warned to stay away from Rivers State. Security forces are fully prepared to take decisive action against any threats to the peace and stability of the state.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.

20TH MARCH 2025

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Abubakar Kyari

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Black U.S. prison inmates used to illustrate the story

Heading 2

Nigerian Chisom Umeadi nabbed in Germany, extradited to U.S. for defrauding multinational firm

Mr Umeadi faces 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. His sentencing was scheduled for later in July.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu

Politics

Supreme Court declares Wike’s henchman Samuel Anyanwu as PDP national secretary

The Supreme Court on Friday declared Samuel Anyanwu, Nyesom Wike’s loyalist, as the legitimate National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Natasha and Akpabio

Rights

‘Is this an invitation to treat?… Your waist will make good movements’, Akpabio told me: Natasha

“And there were about five senators there. And Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring…is this an invitation to treat?'”

Ibadan food stampede scene; Ooni's ex-wife

Faith

May souls of 35 children killed in Ibadan food stampede rest in peace, says Ooni’s ex-wife

The estranged wife of the Ooni, Naomi Silekunola, has prayed for the repose of the souls of children killed in the Ibadan food stampede.

malnourished children

NationWide

Kaduna government boosts nutrition with N400 million fund

The Kaduna government has approved N400 million to complement UNICEF’s support, with all funds directed at combating malnutrition.

Peter Obi, President Bola Tinubu, and Atiku Abubakar

Politics

I am part of Nigeria’s bad leadership; Nigerians pray for looting to stop: Peter Obi

“Always put your prayer points to God to touch the hearts of leaders, including me, to use public money for public good…The stealing has to stop,” said Mr Obi.