Following a signal from the Nigerian police, Ministers, National Assembly members, federal appointees and other Very Important Personalities (VIPs) from the South-east and South-south, may be stripped of police escorts when travelling home.

This is as a result of the rising attacks on security agents in the area.

According to THE NATION, the signal, which emanated from the Delta State Police Command, advised officers not to accompany their principals to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states until the security situation improves.

The wireless message, with the reference CB: 0900/DTS/DOPS/VOL.47/812X, titled: “Attack on policemen, snatching of rifles by IPOB”.

The police copied the Chief Security Officer, Government House; Chief Superintendent of Police, Department of Operations, Delta Oil Producing Areas Development Commission; Delta House of Assembly; Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) annexe, among others.

The wireless message read:

“Sequel to the incessant attacks on policemen and snatching of arms and ammunition by the proscribed IPOB/ESN (Eastern Security Network) elements in the Eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo States and Rivers State, COMPOL DOPS directs you warn personnel that escort of their principals to the six eastern states is suspended forthwith until the security situation improves. Ensure strict compliance, please.”

Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said, the step was taken to save the lives of the officers and their principals from the gunmen.

He said the signal originated from Delta State Command and was issued on the authority of the Commissioner of Police in Delta.

“That signal did not come from Force Headquarters, so it is not a nationwide directive.

“Any reasonable person will understand that this is a very good directive.

“The Commissioner of Police acted within his powers and he gave the directives to cure certain mischief” Mba said.