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 celebration across the country.
In a statement on Monday, the IGP directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and State Commissioners of Police to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and confidence-building engagements throughout the festive period.
According to the directive, 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 Police Airwing have been placed on heightened operational readiness.
The deployment will focus on churches, mosques, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other high-density public spaces.
Additional patrol and surveillance teams have also been activated to monitor inter-state routes and major expressways to curb road-related crimes, traffic congestion and accidents.
Officers on duty have been instructed to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The IGP further ordered sustained raids on identified black spots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while also directing commands to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders for comprehensive security coverage.
While wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, Egbetokun 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 reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the Yuletide season and beyond in an atmosphere of peace, safety and security.
