Following the recent violence between some police officers and naval ratings in Calabar, Cross River State, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas has warned ratings of the Nigerian Navy not to take laws into their hands in the discharge of their professional duties.
Ete-Ibas gave the warning on Monday in Calabar after assessing the level of destruction of properties during the clash that occurred between the navy and the police on May 30.
The attack followed the alleged shooting of a Navy personnel in the shoulder by a policeman after argument over traffic infractions.
Recall that the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, issue a similar warning to officers and men of the Cross River State Police Command at the weekend.
CNS, who was represented by Rear Adm. Adeniyi Osinowo, Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, described the clash as unfortunate.
He said: “At the Naval headquarters in Abuja, the collaboration and coordination between the navy and the police remains very strong..
“The relationship is still growing; nothing short of this is acceptable at your level as well.
“What ever has led to this incident, I want to also let you know that a joint investigation committee has commenced sitting to unravel the circumstances and apportion blame as necessary.
“You have the bigger responsibility to protect the peace and maintain the security of the environment, the state and Nigeria in general.
“An incident of this nature must not occur again. You are not permitted to take laws into your hands,’’ he warned.
He also visited the police officer that sustained bullet injuries at the police clinic as well as the naval rating who was injured at the navy hospital.
