The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a massive nationwide deployment of police personnel and operational assets to ensure a safe, peaceful and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations across the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the directive is part of the proactive security strategy of the Nigeria Police Force for the Yuletide season.
According to the statement, the IGP has instructed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in the states to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and confidence-building engagements throughout the festive period.
Specialised 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 deployment will cover places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other high-density public spaces. Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated along inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder and accidents. Officers deployed have been charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.
The Inspector-General also directed all police commands to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure comprehensive security coverage nationwide.
While wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the IGP urged citizens to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency lines.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the Yuletide season and beyond in an atmosphere of peace, safety and security.
