Abuja: The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has mandated Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the nation to sustain intensive raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts, and flashpoints as the Yuletide season approaches. This directive is part of a broader effort to ensure safety and security during the festive period.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, shared in a statement that the I-G has also instructed CPs to bolster collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive security coverage throughout the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The directive includes the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets nationwide, aligning with the force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season.
Hundeyin emphasized that Zonal Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) and State Command CPs have been tasked with intensifying patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements. Specialized units, such as the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Command, Intelligence Response Team, and Special Intervention Squad, have been placed on heightened operational readiness. Additional units, including the Special Tactical Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing, are also on alert.
The deployments will concentrate on securing places of worship, recreational centers, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other densely populated public spaces. Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to mitigate road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents. Officers involved in these operations have been instructed to perform their duties firmly yet courteously.
The I-G has extended his warm wishes to Nigerians for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, urging the public to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through available emergency lines. The police spokesman reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, safe, and secure Yuletide season for all citizens.