The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the nationwide deployment of police personnel and operational assets to ensure adequate security during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The directive, issued as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s festive season security strategy, mandates all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and State Commissioners of Police to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and community engagement across the country.
In a statement on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said specialised units have been placed on heightened operational readiness. These include the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police and the Airwing.
Hundeyin explained that the deployment would cover places of worship, markets, recreational centres, event venues, parks, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other high-density public locations.
He added that additional patrol and surveillance teams have been activated along inter-state routes and major expressways to curb road-related crimes, traffic congestion and accidents. Officers deployed for the assignment have been instructed to remain firm but courteous while carrying out their duties.
The police spokesman also disclosed that the IGP directed all commands to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies.
Egbetokun urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency lines.
The directive comes less than 24 hours after the Defence Headquarters announced similar security measures to forestall possible Christmas Day attacks nationwide, following intelligence reports.
