BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI
ABUJA — Ahead of the Muslim Sallah celebrations and fears that the Boko Haram Islamic sect planned to distrupt it by carrying out surprised bomb attacks, the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Abubakar Ringim, has directed 24-hour patrols, increased surveillance and vigilance on all key and vulnerable points across the country.

Also, all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in state commands have been mandated to effectively deploy men of the anti-terrorist and anti-bomb squads, particularly, to the areas that have been identified as black spot.

Speaking through a statement signed by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Yemi Ajayi, the IGP directed the officers to engage in stop-and-search duties and to be on 24-hour red-alert for the purpose of covering all locations identified as possible targets by terrorists and other criminal elements across the country.

Nigerian Police

The statement read in part: “The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Abubakar Ringim, has assured Nigerians and non Nigerians alike of adequate security during and after upcoming Eld-el-Kabir celebration.

“One of the major responsibilities of the Police is to ensure safety of life and property of all and sundry at all times. This assurance is highly important as larger percentage of the Nigerians and non Nigerians will be moving from one part of the country to the other.

“The IGP has, therefore, directed 24-hour patrol, increased surveillance and vigilance on all key and vulnerable points across the country. The Zonal AIGs and Commissioners of Police have been mandated to effectively deploy men of the anti-terrorist and anti-bomb squads, particularly to the areas that have been identified as black spots.”

“The Nigeria Police is using this medium to call on members of the public to always report all suspicious persons, movements and objects to the law enforcement agencies closest to them, as men of the Force have been ordered to be on red alert and to immediately respond to distress calls nationwide.“

Meanwhile, the IGP, in a goodwill message to mark the Sallah celebrations, called on all Muslims to use the sacred occasion of Eld-el-kabir to emulate and reflect the teachings and life of Prophet Mohammed in their dealings and conducts, describing Eld-el-Kabir as a period when the fear of Allah must be given utmost priority in the lives of believers.

Saluting officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their tireless, courageous and selfless services to the nation, he assured them that the administration of the Force was unwavering to revive and restore the Nigeria Police’s principles of industry, efficiency and dedication to duty.

Ringim then directed Zonal AIGs and States Commissioners of Police to be firm and decisive in ensuring that criminal elements do not have breathing space during and after the celebration.