The Police in Borno State have ordered investigation into the alleged shooting to death of a member of the youth vigilante group by a policeman last Saturday which resulted in protests in Maiduguri, the state capital.

Usman Ibrahim Jatto was reportedly killed in cold blood while he and other members of his group were returning from a mission to hunt down members of the Boko Haram terrorist group resident in an identified hideout.

Jatto was said to have died on the spot, while the policeman escaped being lynched by angry youths.

Reacting to the incident, the state police commissioner, Lawal Tanko, said the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, of the command has been instructed to investigate the matter..

Tanko claimed that the alleged killer police officer is “critically injured” and would be allowed to recuperate before he is made to face the probe panel.

He however added that officer risks being dismissed from service if found culpable of the offence.

“We have been talking to our officers to strictly adhere to the rule on when fire arms are allowed to be used. We pray for him to survive so that we can take proper action and avoid any future occurrence,” he said.

The police commissioner also commended the youth vigilante group for their selfless service to the state and called for more support for them, while also pledging the cooperation of the Police to the course.

He advised the youths to register with the District Police Officer, DPO, in their areas of operation for logistic support.

“We are happy that they have realized their civic duty and we can legitimize their activities if they come to us. It is not too good to go against someone with sophisticated weapons with sticks; we can always shield them with our arms and ammunitions,” Tanko said.

He also disclosed that the command has begun market patrol during market days in towns and villages across the state in order to reduce incidences of robbery, as hoodlums now target these days to perpetuate their crimes.