The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu on Thursday, reeled out fresh instructions and security measures targeted at peaceful Christmas and new year celebrations by Nigerians.
The IGP in the statement where he made the instructions public, among other things said citizens of the country should not flaunt personal wealth on social media.
The police boss also directed operatives to provide coverage for Nigerians on major highways, airports, railway stations, recreational centres, motor – parks, places of worship, financial institutions, etc to ensure crime-free yuletide celebrations.
In the light of the increasing numbers of coronavirus infections in Nigeria, the IGP also urged citizens to adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines and instructions as they celebrate the Christmas and new year seasons.
Police personnel deployed on patrol or other duties during this period have also been warned against indiscipline, intimidation of citizens and other vices, with a warning that any defaulter will be dealt with accordingly.
The full statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered 24/7 water-tight security arrangement and proactive high visibility patrols in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ahead of the Christmas and New Year Celebrations.”
“The IGP gave the directives to all Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of Zonal and State Commands nationwide to ensure a peaceful celebration.”
“The IGP equally directed the Strategic Officers to ensure massive deployment of intelligence and other operational assets of the Force particularly on major highways, airports, railway stations, recreational centres, motor – parks, places of worship, financial institutions, etc”
“They are also to ensure that personnel deployed are adequately supervised for utmost professionalism in the discharge of their duties. He warned that acts bordering on indiscipline, extortion and intimidation of travellers and other road users will not be condoned.”
“While congratulating Christians in the country as they join other Faithfuls across the globe to celebrate the symbolic anniversary of the Birth of Christ, the IGP expressed profound appreciation to all Nigerians for their support to the Police and other security agencies in the fight against crimes in the country. He assured improved police service delivery and security generally in the incoming year, 2021.”
“Meanwhile, the IGP enjoined Nigerians to take precautionary measures to reduce exposure to security risks and the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed that citizens should avoid night travels, over-speeding, over-loading, stopping on lonely highways and unnecessary flaunting of personal details/wealth on social media. Citizens are also enjoined to voluntarily adhere to the COVID-19 prevention regulations and protocols to prevent further spread of the virus.”
“The IGP, on behalf of the entire officers of the Force, wishes Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year in advance.”
Earlier, the federal government of Nigeria had declared Friday 25 and Monday 28 December 2020 as public holidays to celebrate the 2020 Christmas and Boxing Day.
The government in a statement on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib M.L Belgore on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola also declared Friday, January 1, 2021 as new year public holiday.
