By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has ordered massive deployment of its officers across the country
for comprehensive operational strategy towards ensuring a hitch free Christmas and yuletide celebrations.
This is even as the IG felicitates with Christians across the country on the occasion of this year 2018 Christmas celebration.
In a statement, the Force PRO, Acting DCP, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, said to ensure a hitch free celebration, the IG has directed the implementation of a comprehensive operational strategies, robust and elaborate security arrangement throughout the country.
He said: “The Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in Zonal and State Commands nationwide are to be on ground to ensure massive deployment of police personnel on crime prevention and visibility patrols, crowd control, and adequate security and safety at all places of worship and other venues of celebration in their Areas of Responsibilities (AoRs).
“The deployment of additional personnel and crime prevention and detection equipment will be carried out to cover identified and perceived criminal black spots, flash points, abandoned and uncompleted project sites being used as hideouts by criminal elements to commit crime.
“The on-going raids of criminal hideouts and black spots and removal of suspected criminals will continue throughout the Christmas period into the New Year and beyond.” He said.
According to him, the deployment will also cover recreation centres, other public places, critical infrastructure and public and private facilities.
“Federal Highway Patrol Teams, the Safer Highway Patrol Units and Anti-Crime Patrols have been deployed along highways and major roads throughout the country for the protection and safety of travellers, commuters and other road users during the period and beyond. They are under strict instructions to be civil, polite, compassionate and firm in carrying out their duties.
“Intense surveillance/Intelligence gathering will be maintained, special deployment, and stop and search duties will be carried out at all flash/vulnerable points in every State of the country.” the statement added.
The Police, he said is imploring members of the public, most especially travelers and other road users to cooperate with its personnel deployed on visibility policing and crime prevention patrols.
The Force Moshood, said enjoins them to be security conscious, vigilant and report any untoward incident or happening observed in their locality to the nearest Police station.