The Dangerous Trend Of Attacks On Police Stations In South-East, South-South

The #ENDSARS campaign of October 2020, marked the beginning of series of frequent attacks on the Nigerian Police facilities across the country.

How it all started

Nigerian Youths had trooped to the streets across states in the country to protest police brutality following widespread claims of kidnappings, harassment, and extortion by a controversial unit of the police, known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) -now disbanded.

Although the protest started out as a peaceful one, it was unfortunately hijacked by some unscrupulous group who took advantage of the situation to invoke havoc under the guise of protest, committing atrocities such as looting, vandalism of government/private properties, and attacks on security personnel.

Across Nigeria, several police stations were set ablaze during the #ENDSARS campaign. Lagos State for example suffered a huge loss with about 25 police stations, three barracks, and 20 patrol vehicles burnt down by hoodlums.

READ ALSO #EndSARS Protest Aftermath: Gunmen Steal Cash From Bullion Van In Ajah

How it has been

After #ENDSARS, the Nigerian police and its facilities have become more susceptible to attacks across the country with lives and properties at stake.

From January 2021, till date, attacks on police facilities have become more frequent especially in the South East and South Western parts of the nation. 

The timeline

General observations

From the spate of attacks, it can be observed that out of the five states making up the southeast zone, Imo, Ebonyi, and Abia are the flashpoints of what has become a growing calculated attack on security agents. 

READ ALSO Again Hoodlums Attack Imo Police Station, Free Detainees

In the South Southern part of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom and Cross-River States have witnessed some of these attacks.

In all, Imo and Cross-Rivers States have recorded the highest number of attacks with Imo State recording six attacks on Divisional Police Headquarters between February and April.

Between January 8 and April 19, no fewer than 15 police officers have lost their lives to these attacks with about seven police stations set ablaze. Hundreds of prisoners in detention have also been set free in these attacks.

Who is responsible?

Although no links have been made between these attacks, Police sources have however speculated on the likely culprits, responsible for the attacks.

READ ALSO: Imo Attack: IGP Fingers IPOB’s ESN As Attackers, Deploys More Tactical Squads

The former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu had accused the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of carrying out the attacks.

IPOB has responded denying any involvement in the attacks, reiterating its non-violent stance. Its spokesman, with the pseudonym, 'Emma Powerful' dismissed the allegation stating that IPOB and ESN have no involvement in the attacks.

Losses incurred

Although the financial losses incurred from these attacks have not been quantified by the government, there is however no doubt that the destructions are massive with armories looted, vehicles vandalized and stations razed to the ground.

READ ALSO Owerri: IPOB Speaks On Attack On Imo Police Headquarters, Masterminding Jailbreak

Billions or trillions of Naira would be required to return these damaged facilities back to status quo and this may not be possible soon, considering the current state of the Nigerian economy.

Besides, a lot of police facilities vandalized during the #ENDSARS campaign are yet to be rebuilt till date, leaving the officers to make do with temporary structures that may be unsafe, unprotected, and inconvenient for them to effectively perform their duties.

For years, Nigeria has been battling with insecurity and with the recent incidences, the issue is further compounded.

Reactions

The former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi recently commented on the current state of Nigeria. According to report, he stated that Nigeria was crumbling and those that should care carry on as if all is well.

“The present condition of Nigeria requires all hands to be on deck. When I see the waste that still goes on among individuals as well as government officials, one is prompted to believe that we are yet to realize the depth of the rot, ranging from security challenges, dwindling economy, and lack of due attention to education," Obi said.

Also, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Kalu, while condemning the attack on Uzuakoli Police Station in Bende Local Government Area of Abia stated that; 

“The personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) who were attacked are serving the country and its citizenry and as such shouldn’t be molested.

“The country will not move forward if thuggery, violence, and vices are condoned."

The North has been faced with issues of insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings. Other parts of the country are gradually been enveloped by the tides of the North amidst other issues. 

With the recent happening, Nigerian police facilities are now being targeted, leaving them with very limited facilities to work with.

READ ALSO Gunmen Attack Another Police Station In Imo

What this means for Nigeria

As the economy of the nation continues to dwindle, security operatives, whose duty is to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians are being attacked in their duty post. This makes the country very vulnerable and its unity questionable.

Some fraction of the population are clamoring for autonomy. The majority of Igbos have been agitating for a 'Biafran Nation' since 1967. Now-outlawed IPOB started in 2012.

Recently in the South West, a group of people started expressing their desire to be separated from Nigeria to form the Oodua Republic.

With the 2023 elections just around the corner, one can only imagine the fate of the country in the coming months.