Disu puts police on red alert as Shi’ites protest killing of Iranian leader

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has ordered state police commissioners to be on red alert to prevent worsening internal security challenges in the country following United States’ and Israel’s war on Iran.

The IGP’s directive was contained in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the spokesperson of Nigeria Police Benjamin Hundeyin.

The directive by the acting IGP followed protests by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) over killing og Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the US-Israeli strike

Members of IMN popularly known as Shi’ites, led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, yesterday protested in Gombe, Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Sokoto states over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli airstrike, according to report by Daily Trust.

According to the Hundeyin, Disu specifically directed police commissioners in the Northwest, the Northeast, and Northcentral zones to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering; strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders and enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces.

He also directed the police commissioners to swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.

“While Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation firmly under control, the Force has reinforced proactive, intelligence-led policing measures across the country.

“The acting IGP has directed all commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with particular attention to the Northwest, the Northeast, and the Northcentral zones, to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law.

“IGP Disu calls on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urges citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, prepared, and fully committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and maintaining national security at all times,” the statement added.