Following security reports that the Islamic terror group, Boko Haram, was bent on disrupting the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in various parts of the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, has directed all zonal Assistant Inspectors General, AIGs, and state Commissioners of Police to provide water-tight security across the country before, during and after the celebrations.
The IGP gave the directive just as FCT Police Command disclosed, yesterday, that it was in possession of intelligence reports that trouble makers, including terrorists and criminal minded persons, were planning to carry out attacks in some unknown places in the federal capital territory but warned that its men were already on alert and primed for action in case of any eventuality.
Command CPs have also been directed to personally ensure that key and vulnerable points, all places of worship, recreation centres, resorts and other public places are adequately and effectively protected to enable worshippers and the general public enjoy maximum fulfillment.
According to a statement signed by Force spokesman, CSP Frank Mba, the IG in addition, urged Commanders of Police Highway Patrol Teams to ensure that motorized patrols on highways targeted at crime and accident prevention, were intensified to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful celebration.
IG orders AIGs, CPs to ensure adequate security
He said: “Policemen deployed on our highways have also been directed to render necessary assistance to travellers and road users, especially accident victims and those who might have suffered vehicular break down.
In a similar vein, Zonal AIGs and CPs have also been advised to ensure the provision of 24 hours security around all government installations, facilities and other related vulnerable targets.
“The IGP warned officers who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that they comport themselves. They must be firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned roles, giving due regard and respect to the fundamental human rights of citizens at all times.”
While expressing the belief that Almighty Allah will, in his infinite mercy and in answer to the fervent prayers of Muslim faithful, resolve the country’s numerous challenges and grant the country’s leaders the wisdom to lead the nation aright, the IG sought the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians, assuring that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will eventually be won.
Massive deployment of Policemen
On his part, FCT Police Commissioner, Aderenle Shinaba, while explaining security measures put in place to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebration, stated that massive deployments of counter terrorism, mobile Police and regular policemen had been made while a 24-hour round the clock patrol of the city by men of patrol vehicles and foot patrol had been activated.
Noting that the security measures will be in force before, during and after the Sallah celebration, CP Shinaba said: “We have done a lot to bring down the spate of violent crime and disturbances in the FCT and we will ensure that the tempo is sustained during this period and beyond.
“We have put in many measures to make sure this period of celebration is free of hoodlums and violence. We got reports and rumours of imminent attacks and danger by violent groups. We will make sure that all the threats and rumours received are checked out and appropriate measures taken to prevent them from seeing the light of day.”
He advised, however, that “people should stop spreading unfounded rumours most of which are meant to unsettle the society.
Our programme of action is to provide security before, during and after the celebration to ensure there is peace. Let me use this opportunity to commend the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed for providing the command with 75 patrol vehicles which ensured that our presence is everywhere.”
Continuing he said, “The ember months are here and everybody knows that there is upsurge of crime during this period. That is why after the Sallah celebrations, we will maintain the tempo.
Already, you will realize there are increased patrols because of the 75 vehicles and the minister also fuels the vehicles. So there is no excuse not to perform”.
