Police confirm arrest of 97 Shiites over attack in Abuja

Ninety-seven members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shiites have been arrested across Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

The police in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said it detained the members of the group over the attack and killing of its officers in Abuja on Sunday, August 25.

Politics Nigeria had reported that two police officers were killed were three others sustained various degrees of injuries during the Shiites clash with officers of the force.

It was also gathered that operational vehicles of the Nigeria Police were set ablaze by members of the IMN group.

Adejobi in the statement on Monday, August 26, said credible intelligence reports helped the police operatives to apprehend the detained suspects.

The FPPRO also stated that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s directive on the matter would be carried out to the latter.

He noted that the IGP had reassured Police’s commitment to arrest other persons involved in the attack and bring them to justice.

The IGP also said the police would resist all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country, and pledged to continue to maintain law and order in all parts of the country.

He added that the unprovoked killings of police officers in the line of duty are highly outrageous and unacceptable as those who murdered these policemen have murdered peace.

“As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers,” Adejobi said.

While sympathising with families of the officers killed during the clash, the IGP wished those undergoing one form of treatment or the other quick recovery.

He also urged the general public to always support the police in its efforts to ensure it maintain law and order across the nation.