The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered massive and strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to ensure safe, peaceful, and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Force Public Relations Officer, PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who made this known in a release, explained that the directive was in line with the Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season.
According to the statement, the IGP directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period.
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 also been placed on heightened operational readiness.
The deployment also focuses on places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other high-density public spaces.
Furthermore, additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents.
The deployed officer were charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.
The IGP further ordered all Commands to sustain raids on identified flashpoints, forests, criminal hideouts, and other dark spots, as well as strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure holistic security coverage.
The IGP wishes all Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year ahead, stressing also the need for citizens to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through available emergency lines.
The Nigeria Police Force assured of steadfast devotion in ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy the Yuletide season and beyond in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and security.
