The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the nationwide deployment of police personnel and operational assets to ensure adequate security during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The directive, issued as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s festive season security strategy, mandates all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in the states to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and community engagement across the country.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the IGP has placed specialised police units on heightened operational readiness to effectively respond to security threats during the period.

He listed the units to include 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 Airwing.

“In line with the Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season, the Inspector-General of Police has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command Commissioners of Police to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and confidence-building engagements throughout the period,” Hundeyin said.

He added that the deployment would cover places of worship, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other high-density public areas.
                                                Hundeyin said additional patrol teams and surveillance units had been activated to monitor inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic congestion and accidents.

“The deployed officers have been charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties,” he stated.

The police spokesman further said the IGP directed all commands to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints nationwide.

He noted that the police leadership had also intensified collaboration with other security agencies to enhance coordinated security operations during the festive season.

The IGP urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency communication channels.

The directive comes less than 24 hours after the Defence Headquarters announced similar nationwide security measures following intelligence reports indicating possible threats during the Christmas period.