Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has directed the nationwide deployment of police personnel and operational assets to guarantee public safety during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
In a statement on Monday, Benjamin Hundeyin, force public relations officer, said the directive forms part of the Nigeria Police Force’s anticipatory security framework for the festive period.
“The IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CP’s to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period,” Hundeyin said.
“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 Air-wing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness.”
Hundeyin said the police deployment will prioritise places of worship, markets, parks, recreational centres, event venues, transport hubs, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other high-density public spaces.
According to him, additional patrol teams and surveillance units have been activated to monitor inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents.
He added that all deployed officers have been instructed to carry out their duties firmly yet courteously, maintaining discipline while ensuring public safety throughout the festive season.
“The IGP further ordered all Commands to sustain raids on identified black spots, forests, criminal hideouts, and flashpoints, as well as strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure holistic security coverage,” the police added.
The directive comes less than 24 hours after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced similar measures to prevent Christmas Day attacks across the country, following an intelligence report.