The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has ordered its members to maintain vigilance and safeguard public spaces ahead of the Easter celebrations on Sunday, March 31 and Monday April 1 respectively.
IGP Egbetokun said that there will patrols around worship centres, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports and other places across the country.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reassures Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors during the upcoming Easter celebrations. In line with this commitment, the IGP has ordered round-the-clock security and protection of public spaces across the country.
“Under the directive of the IGP, all State Commissioners of Police (CPs) and their supervising Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) have been tasked with deploying police personnel and operational assets to areas of likely security threats within their respective areas of responsibility (AoRs). Intensive and proactive visibility patrols will be conducted at all worship centres, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports, waterways, recreation centres, banks, and other financial institutions, as well as other critical infrastructures and public spaces.
“The IGP has also assured all travellers who will be visiting their hometowns and other places within the country for the festivities of adequate security irrespective of the medium of such travels whether by road, air, waterways, or rail, as deployments have been increased and visibility patrols intensified in all areas including aerial patrol and surveillance,” the statement reads in part.
He emphasized the significance of professional conduct among its officers deployed for these duties.
The IGP advised its officers to display courteousness with law abiding citizens. However, he charged them to maintain firmness and ruthlessness towards criminal elements seeking to exploit the festive period for their unlawful activities.
He further felicitated with the Christian community and Nigerians alike on the occasion of the Easter celebrations.
He also thanked the citizens for their support and admonished them to continually cooperate with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies by providing prompt and actionable information to prevent and detect crime.
“As we commemorate the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us come together in unity and vigilance to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all.”
He reiterated the Police commitment to serving and protecting the public – and urged the citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or Post.
