The Nigerian Military says it is ready to support the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to checkmate the activities of criminals looking to take advantage of the current lockdown in several parts of the country.
The Federal Government and several state governments have imposed restrictions and lock downs as part of measures to check the spread of the Coronavirus in Nigeria.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday warned that any person or group who tries to take advantage of the situation to carry out criminal activities would be tackled appropriately.
“Consequently, all criminally minded individuals are hereby warned to desist from disturbing the peace of other citizens.
“Otherwise, they will be tackled appropriately in line with the principles of Internal Security Operations and Rules of Engagement, to ensure the security of lives and property,” he said.
Enenche urged the public to provide credible information to law enforcement agents on criminal activities in their neighbourhoods, to enable them nip their plans in the bud.
He also advised Nigerians not to panic if they noticed increased military presence in their neighbourhood.
“The Military assures citizens that it is resolute and committed to the security of lives and property of the populace,” he said.
On the military contribution in the fight against Covid-19, he disclosed that two laboratories located in Lagos and Abuja have been made available to carry out test for COVID-19 cases.
Enenche named laboratories as the Defence Reference Laboratory in Abuja and Nigerian Air Force Reference Laboratory in Lagos.
He said that the laboratories were to support Federal Government efforts toward tackling the Coronavirus pandemic.
According to him, “The armed forces, hereby, encourages the general public to abide by the guidelines provided by the government on preventive measures against contracting the virus.
“Among is the instruction on lockdown given by the federal and various state governments. This will ensure that appropriate actions are taken by relevant agencies to indentify and manage cases promptly to prevent community transmission.
“Therefore, the Military reiterates that, the essence of the measure is for the good of Nigerians and other nationals residing in the country. Thus, all are kindly requested to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure that the lockdown is effective”, he added.
