Yuletide: IGP Egbetokun orders massive police deployment nationwide

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to ensure a safe, peaceful, and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebration.

This was announced in a statement by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin in a statement on Monday.

“In line with the Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period.

“Specialized 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 readiness.

Hundeyin added that the deployment will also focus on places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other high-density public spaces.

He added that additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents.

“The deployed officers have been charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.

The Force spokesperson added that the Egbetokun also ordered all Commands to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts, and flashpoints, as well as strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure holistic security coverage.

“While wishing all Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year ahead, the Inspector-General of Police urges citizens to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through available emergency lines.

“The Nigeria Police Force assures of steadfast devotion to ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy the Yuletide season and beyond in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and security, he said.