Yuletide: IGP Assures Of Security During Christmas, New Year

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has assured Nigerians and residents of the country of security during and after the yuletide period.

The IGP said the police force would particularly provide safety for those travelling or joining friends and relatives in public places for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

IGP Baba also assured travellers by road, water, air and rail tracks that the police force has placed proactive measures to ensure their safety.

The IGP made this known in a statement signed and issued by the spokesperson of the force, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday.

"The IGP has ordered Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Commands and Commissioners of Police in charge of States as well as heads of tactical, intelligence and operational units to ensure heavy deployments of officers in uniforms on highways, rail lines, waterways, airports and at the various recreational centres within their jurisdictions. 

"Officers whose jurisdiction includes big cities with heavy traffic gridlocks have been tasked to deploy officers on motorbikes to monitor traffic and prevent traffic robberies.

"The IGP has similarly directed that officers should engage in visibility policing by ensuring that those on routine duties are in uniform and their vehicles marked with the names of their Divisions, Commands or Squadrons for proper identification by members of the public.

"All officers are to ensure strict compliance with standard operating procedures for their specific types of assignment while respect for fundamental rights of all persons is sacrosanct," the statement reads.

IGP Baba further felicitated the Nigerian Christian community as they celebrate Christmas.

He also urged them to emulate the character of Jesus Christ while wishing Nigerians a prosperous new year in advance.