The Police Command in Niger has directed its commanders to engage the public in intelligence gathering and responsive policing as the Yuletide season approaches.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Minna issued by SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO).

Abiodun said  the measure was a strategy to secure lives and properties in the ember month.

“The months of September to December are customarily known and referred to as “Ember Months”

“They are usually associated with an upsurge in social, economic, and political activities culminating in the rise in human and vehicular movement.

“This unfortunately also culminates in increased crimes, as armed robbery, house/shop breaking, theft of vehicles, traffic violations and other related anti-social behaviors”, he said.

According to him,  the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Shawulu Danmamman, has directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to place robust crime preventive measures.

He said they should ensure effective visibility policing with adequate community/stakeholder engagement for intelligence gathering and responsive policing.

He said that Operation Order for the season has been drawn with an adequate number of police personnel mobilized across the state.

The police spokesperson also said  in addition, the Operation Flush and other operational assets of the command had been deployed to tackle prospective urban crime.

The CP urged residents of the state and other members of the public to be vigilant and security cautious within their immediate environment.

He further urged them to report any suspicious situation to the police and other security agencies for immediate intervention.

He enjoined the public to contact the following phone numbers in case of any distress situation for quick response: 07031964389 and 08075391601