According to The Nation, the newly appointed Police Commissioner, Benneth Igwe, has issued a stark ultimatum on Friday, February 2 in a powerful display of determination to tackle the rising wave of kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Taking charge after the former CP, Garba Haruna, Igwe left no room for ambiguity as he warned kidnappers that their days were numbered.
Addressing the press, Igwe expressed gratitude for the support from President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector-General of Police, and the FCT minister.
However, it was his direct message to criminals that grabbed attention.
“My message to kidnappers and armed robbers is that their time is up. In our laws, there is nothing like ‘one chance.’
One chance is simply armed robbery, and they will be treated as armed robbers,” he declared, leaving no room for leniency.
The Commissioner’s message took an even more daring turn as he declared,
“Kidnappers should be ready to shoot me or I shoot them.”
This uncompromising stance signaled a shift in the approach to combating crime in the FCT, with Igwe emphasizing that he would personally confront the perpetrators if necessary.
Backing his words with immediate action, Igwe mobilized a substantial police force, deploying Armoured Personnel Carriers and patrol vehicles filled with combat-ready officers to the Bwari area, known as a hotspot for kidnappings. This strategic move underscored the Commissioner’s commitment to proactively address security challenges head-on.
The ultimatum
“be ready to shoot me or I shoot them” reflects Igwe’s willingness to put himself on the front lines in the battle against kidnappers.
This bold approach is aimed at sending a clear message that law enforcement will not hesitate to use force to protect the residents of the FCT.