14th August, 2014
Acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has ordered the setting up of Tactical Operation Points (TOP) in eight states in the North East and North West zones of the country.
The states are Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba.
A statement issued by ACP Frank Mba, the force spokesman on Wednesday, said the measure was to check illegal movement of small arms and light weapons, and other explosive materials.
“These points will be manned by policemen who have received adequate training on tactical operation and counter-terrorism,” it said.
According to the statement, the points would be located at various strategic areas including highways.
The statement charged AIGs in charge of the affected zones and Commissioners of Police in the affected states to closely supervise their men.
“The I-G is optimistic that the latest measure will enable the force to halt further spread of violence in the land and frustrate the activities of insurgents and other criminals.
“The force is determined to track and mop up illegal arms trade and arrest the unchallenged movement of explosive materials by hoodlums and other unpatriotic elements,” it said.
It called on the public, particularly people in the North East and North West zones, to support the operation and regard as a necessary inconvenience and sacrifice for the greater safety of all.