IG orders 24-hour surveillance of worship centres, crowded areas at Christmas

Wants Free Flow Of Traffic On Highways
In a bid to ensure a hitch-free Christmas, the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has directed all Zonal Commanders and Commissioners of Police (CPs) to ensure all-day round security surveillance around places of worship and strategic points in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He also called on policemen on federal highways to allow free flow of traffic, to avoid congestion and unnecessary delaying of commuters.

A statement yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Don Awunah said the police leadership had put in place “robust and elaborate security arrangement and crime prevention strategies to ensure crime free Christmas celebration nationwide.”

The statement added that besides the conventional policemen, personnel of the specialised units of the Force had been deployed to assist in providing the needed security in the country during the Christmas.

The specialised police units include, “Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Federal Highway Patrol, Explosive Ordinance Department, the Armament Unit, Sniffer dogs section, the Marine Police and Police Air wing.

“Visible police presence is already emplaced in the highways and major roads across the country, deployment of the police patrol teams and surveillance squads will cover places of worship, other public places, venue of recreation and celebrations throughout the period of the festivities”, Awunah said.

While appealing to motorists, commuters and other road users to cooperate with the policemen on duty, the police spokesman said the policemen had been warned against any unprofessional behaviour or that which may compromise the objective of the police leadership.

“The police officers and men are under strict instructions to be very polite and civil but firm in the discharge of their duty during the period.

“They are to observe and respect the diversity and peculiarity of the people, display courage, show compassion and demonstrate professionalism in their interaction and engagement with the citizenry throughout the period of the celebration.

“The commissioners of police in the thirty six (36) states and the FCT have further been directed to intensify on the on-going raids of identified criminal hideouts and flash points in their jurisdictions. Adequate security coverage and protection will be given to government installations and infrastructure, with twenty-four hours (24) surveillance and patrol of motor parks, points of departure and entrance, shopping malls, business plaza and other private and public facilities in all states of the country and the FCT.”