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 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.
The CNS 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.
The Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm.
James Oluwole, the state Commissioner of Police Mr Hafiz Inuwa and other top
security officer accompanied the CNS on the visit.
By Wale Odunsi
