The Inspector General of Police has issued an urgent directive to withdraw police personnel from Rivers State Local Government Areas, raising questions about security and political stability in the region.

Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has directed the immediate removal of police officers who were previously assigned to seal off Rivers State’s 23 local government areas.

On Monday, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Command, announced this directive in a statement.

The statement indicates that the order is a response to recent political changes in Rivers State.

State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha, announced the orders from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to immediately remove all police officers who were previously assigned to secure and seal the Local Government Secretariats in the state.

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The statement highlighted that the decision “aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and ensuring the smooth operation of democratic institutions.”

It further explained that staff would only be reassigned to those areas in the event of a crisis or disruption of law and order, at which time emergency actions would be promptly taken to restore normalcy.

The Rivers State Command reaffirmed its dedication to preserving peace and order throughout the state, while emphasizing its adherence to professional conduct in executing its responsibilities.

Residents and stakeholders were encouraged to stay calm and adhere to the law as the situation develops.