Rivers State’s 23 local government districts were sealed off by police officers, but Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered their immediate withdrawal.

The Rivers State Command’s public relations officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, made this announcement in a statement on Monday.

The statement claims that the decree is in response to recent changes in Rivers State politics.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, issued orders for the immediate removal of all police officers who had been deployed to close and protect the Local Government Secretariats in the state, which were communicated by the recently appointed State Commissioner of Police, Bala Mustapha.

The decision “is in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions,” the statement emphasised.

It also made it clear that workers would only be moved to certain locations in the event of a crisis or breakdown in law and order, in which case emergency measures would be put in place right away to get things back to normal.

The public was reassured by the Rivers State Command of its unwavering dedication to upholding law and order throughout the state, and it reiterated its professional behaviour in doing its duties.

As the situation develops, locals and interested parties were asked to maintain composure and adherence to the law.