Isiyaku Ahmed
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebration.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, said in a statement on Monday that the deployment aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season.
He added that the Inspector-General of Police directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and State Commissioners of Police (CPs) to intensify patrols, enhance visibility policing, strengthen intelligence-led operations, and carry out confidence-building engagements nationwide.
According to him, specialized units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness.
The police deployment, the IGP noted, will prioritize the protection of places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other high-density public areas.
Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated to cover interstate routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic congestion, and accidents.
He charged officers on duty to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their responsibilities, while also ordering sustained raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts, and flashpoints across the country.
The IGP further directed all police commands to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and effective security coverage throughout the festive period.
While wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, IGP Egbetokun urged citizens to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through available emergency lines.
The Nigeria Police Force reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the Yuletide season and beyond in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and security.
