Yuletide:IGP Orders Tight Security at Worship Centres, Terminals,Others

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the massive and strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebration.
In a statement released on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP said that, in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive and intelligence-driven security strategy for the festive season, all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and State Command Commissioners of Police (CPs) have been directed to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period.
According to the statement, specialised police 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 Airwing—have been placed on heightened operational alert and readiness nationwide.
The deployment will focus on securing places of worship, recreational and relaxation centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other high-density public spaces where large gatherings are anticipated during the festive season.
In addition, reinforced patrol teams and enhanced surveillance units have been activated to provide continuous coverage of inter-state routes and major expressways, with the objective of preventing road-related crimes, traffic congestion, accidents, and other security breaches.
Officers deployed for these operations have been charged to be firm, professional, and courteous in the discharge of their duties, while respecting the rights of citizens.
The IGP further directed all police commands to sustain aggressive raids on identified black spots, forests, criminal hideouts, and flashpoints, as well as to strengthen inter-agency collaboration with sister security agencies and partnerships with community leaders, vigilante groups, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and coordinated security coverage nationwide.
While wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the Inspector-General of Police urged citizens to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and promptly report any suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest police station or through the designated emergency response channels.
The Nigeria Police Force reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and to ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy the Yuletide season and beyond in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and security.