Arepo: Federal Government Considers Death Penalty for Militants

Posted by George on Tue 02nd Aug, 2016 - tori.ng

The rate of militancy in the South-western part of Nigeria, Ogun and Lagos to be specific could lead to the introduction of death penalty for militants attacking government facilities.

The Federal Government yesterday waded into the spate of militancy in Lagos and Ogun States with a deliberation on a final remedy to the crisis that has adversely affected public peace and economic activities in the region.

Vanguard newspapers reveal the government has opened up on sponsoring a death penalty bill for vandals and other criminals attack oil pipelines for selfish interests. This proposal has preceded by the ongoing Operation Awathe in the South Western Coast to wipe out the miscreants in the region that have been involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and murders.

Assistant Inspector General, AIG, Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, Abdulmajeed Ali, who disclosed this in Lagos, described vandals operating in Arepo and environs as criminals who would be treated as such.

This came as Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, ordered the destruction of boats, jerry cans and other facilities used and abandoned by suspected militants at Arepo area of the state.

Commenting on the military operation against Arepo vandals, Ali said: “Threats from pipeline vandals in Arepo area and its environs will soon be a thing of the past.”

The Police boss, who spoke on resumption of duty in the Zone at Onikan in Lagos, said also that those operating at Arepo should not be called militants but hoodlums, stressing that plans are in top gear to advise government to sponsor a bill that will prescribe death penalty for the criminals.

He said: “I do not consider those groups as militants. They are hoodlums. They are robbers, kidnappers in disguise. I have dealt with them before and I will continue to deal with them in their hideouts. We are trying to get the government prescribe capital punishment for them.

“I want to commend the Lagos State governor for the support given to the Nigeria Police. I was impressed with all the equipment supplied by the government. We shall continue to work in the two commands and ensure security. I will start by declaring my vision of things that I will like to address and things that I will not tolerate.

“The only thing that is constant in life is change and change is inevitable, we should expect changes in all ramifications.

“It is crystal clear that based on the present security challenges in the two zones; there will be a need to have an overall policing strategy for effective security of lives and properties within the two zones.

“On issues of insecurity, I will continue to collaborate with the military and other security agencies, with a view to achieving the common goal. I detest terrorism, kidnapping, robbery and other vices. I consider them as murderers. I will also assure you that anyone caught in these acts will be brought to book.”