The military has sent a strong warning to criminal elements hiding under the cover of the lockdown to rob and harass innocent citizens to keep off the streets, saying it is prepared to use ‘minimum force’ to back the police and other security agencies to ensure that the lockdown order by the federal and state government is strictly enforced.
This was disclosed on Friday by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General John Enenche during a briefing on military operations and preparedness in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
He said: “I must state clearly that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is to provide the minimum necessary force to support the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to checkmate the nefarious activities of criminals wanting to take advantage of patriotic and loyal citizens who are observing the lockdown directive.
“Consequently, all criminally minded individuals are hereby warned to desist from disturbing the peace of other citizens of the country, otherwise they will be tackled appropriately in line with the principles of internal security operations and rules of engagement”
