The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has described the proposed procession by the members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) as an act of terrorism.
The IGP also noted that the group remains banned adding that any form of procession by it would be treated as a gathering to promote terrorism.
The Force spokesman, DCP Frank Mba in a statement in Abuja on Monday, also stated that all Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police across the country have been directed to put measures in place to stop the procession.
The statement reads: “It has come to the knowledge of the Nigeria Police Force that some members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) intend to embark on a nationwide procession, ostensibly to cause disruption of public peace, order and security in the Country.
“The Force notes that in line with the Terrorism (Prevention) Proscription Order Notice 2019 of 26th July, 2019, the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have been proscribed. Consequently, all gathering or procession by the group remains ultimately illegal and will be treated as a gathering in the advancement of terrorism.
“To this end, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has directed the Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to put in place concrete measures to avert any planned procession and/or disruption of public peace by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, anywhere in the country.”
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The IGP also urged members of the public to avail the Force with useful information as regards the activities of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria.
The Police boss also advised parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards not to be persuaded into embarking on illegal and ill-motivated activities by anyone or group of persons, under any guise whatsoever.
On the claim that 60 of the IMN members were still in police custody, Mba said: “I don’t have information on that but I will check and revert.”
As at the time of filing this report, he was yet to revert as promised.
