The Anambra Police Command has said the shoot-on-sight order given by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to officers was not targeted at innocent and lawful citizens in the South East.

A statement on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, said the IGP gave the order to police personnel to take the war against crime to criminals and raid their dens.

Ikenga said the order was a deliberate effort by the Police High Command to stabilise the security order in the South East.

The PPRO said the operation ‘Restore Peace’ was formed essentially to implement the objective.

According to him, the current high command was deeply concerned about the recent spike of crime in the zone, most especially, deliberate attacks on security agents and national assets.

“The operation is unique and targeted to restore peace, law and order. We, therefore, urge Anambra residents to work with the Police and other security agents.

“I want to assure everybody that this operation is people-driven, and at every time, shall be reviewed to address issues.

“It is not against innocent and lawful members of the society,” he explained.