Some of those arrested after the clash of IPOB members with security men in Abia State on Tuesday might be arraigned today, Abia State Police Commisioner Adeleye Oyebade, said yesterday.
He spoke after a meeting of security chiefs in his office in Umuahia yesterday.
GOC 82 Division Enugu, Maj. Gen. Adamu Baba Abubakar and Brig. Gen. Audu Ibrahim were among the top security chiefs at the meeting.
Oyebade, who said the meeting was to strategise on how to keep the peace in Abia, called for caution among the populace adding that the police in collaboration with sister agencies were able to arrest some of the people who wanted to cause a breach of the peace.
He said the suspects would be arraigned in court today and warned that the police would not fold their arms and watch unscrupulous elements cause mayhem in the state.
He said: “The present situation in Abia state calls for a lot of caution. Now I believe that the members of the public are already in tune with the position of the state government with regard to press release after the state security council meeting yesterday. Beyond that, I’ve relocated to Aba to take charge and make sure we are on top of the situation.
“Let me put some records straight, the police have to work in tandem with other security agents and the military are very vital when it comes to issue of security. Yes, the internal security is the baby of the Nigerian police, but where they are having a special operation and whereas they’ve sensitized members of the public and it’s approved by high military command.
“That operation Python Dance II is to complement the police efforts on ground. So I’m asking members of the public not to see it as if they’re trampling on their privacy or fundamental human rights. That’s why I’m saying this after I’ve gone round Aba and Umuahia this morning.”