By Dele Ogbodo
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, on Tuesday, ordered Commissioners of Police (CPs) and their surrogates
across the country to be on 24 hour red alert to beef up security in Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Yobe States.
Reacting to the recent security warning advisory alert by the United States (US) and United Kingdom, the IGP, who spoke in a statement through the Force PRO, CSP, Jimoh Moshood, reassures Nigerians and foreign nationals on the readiness of the police, stressing that there is no need for panic.
The statement read: “Consequent on the recent Boko Haram attacks on soft targets in Adamawa and Borno States, it could be recalled that the IG ordered all Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands and their Supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police and their personnel nationwide to be on red-alert.
“This is with effect from 21st November, 2017 to nip in the bud and prevent the spread of further attacks in the affected States and other States of the federation.
“Notwithstanding, the recent cautions and warnings by US and UK missions in Nigeria of possible attacks by Boko Haram insirgents on soft targets in FCT, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe, the IGP, reinforced his directive to all Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands and their Supervising Assistant Inspectors General of Police and the entire personnel of the Force to remain on red alert and beef up security throughout the Country.”
For avoidance of doubt, the statement, said Commissioners of police in the Federal capital Territory (FCT), Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe States are under strict instruction by the Inspector General of Police to hold stakeholder meetings with the people, strengthen security in their Area of Responsibility (AOR) and carryout massive deployment of Police personnel and equipment in the identified vulnerable locations, perceived/prone soft targets in their AOR.
They are also to ensure 24 hours Police Patrols of Mosques and Churches, Market, schools, motor parks, hotels and recreation centres.
According to statement, the operations which has commenced in the indicated states will continue throughout the month of December, 2017 and into the new year and beyond.
However, the statement further implored members of the public in the indicated States to go about their lawful businesses and other engagements without any apprehension and not to panic but to be cautious, vigilant and more security conscious.
“They should report promptly any untoward or suspicious happening to the nearest Police Station or formations.” the statement added.