The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has charged police officers to be ready to protect themselves against any form of assaults.

Adamu made this known on Friday during an assessment tour of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Abuja.

With the officers set to return to the streets after going MIA for the past five days, due to the alleged killing of 20 officers in the wake of the crisis that followed the #EndSARS protest,  Adamu said that no amount of provocation will keep them away from their duties.

Adamu alleged that the #EndSARS protesters were out to demoralise the personnel, adding that the government and the Nigeria Police Force would soon roll out packages for the families of the deceased officers.

He stated, “The unity of this country lies in the support that is given to police officers because if you are demoralised, the tendency is for criminals to take over the public space and the country is relying on us to make sure that the public space is not taken over by the criminals. So no amount of provocation, no amount of insult would make us shy away from our responsibilities.

“Inasmuch as we are aware that the government is behind us; so, we would encourage you to keep performing your duties. We would encourage you to be professional, to be civic, but if anybody touches you, if anybody comes to assault you, you can also protect yourself.

“When we talk of human rights, the police are human; so, the rights of police officers would also be protected. So, we are sending the message that legally, we have the right to protect ourselves.”

Adamu, however, hailed his men for protecting #ENDSARS protesters who he claimed were responsible for the attacks instead of the hoodlums who hijacked the protest on the police’s watch.

“I am here to commiserate with you. I saw how you went to deal with the difficult situation in order to maintain peace and order. This happened because of the #ENDSARS protests, which was supposed to be peaceful but turned violent.

“Despite all the attacks by protesters you went about to protect them. It became dangerous even for even police officers. Individuals were attacked and vehicles and property, destroyed. I thank you for showing restraint. You acted professionally. The aim was to demoralise you but you were exceptional.

“For those that lost their lives all over the country during the #ENDSARS protests, they will not die in vain. There will be adequate compensation for them in an extensive manner. They served the country at the expense of their lives.”