Fatimah Otunsanya
As tensions heighten in the Middle East following the United States’ and Israel’s war on Iran, the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has put state commands on red alert to prevent worsening internal security challenges.
Specifically, police commissioners in the Northwest, the Northeast, and Northcentral zones have been asked to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering; strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, as well as swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.
The IGP’s directive was contained in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, an acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), in which Disu reassured Nigerians of the service’s commitment to protecting lives and property and national peace.
“While Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation firmly under control, the Force has reinforced proactive, intelligence-led policing measures across the country.
“The acting IGP has directed all commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with particular attention to the Northwest, the Northeast, and the Northcentral zones, to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law.
“IGP Disu calls on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urges citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, prepared, and fully committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and maintaining national security at all times,” the statement added.
