The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has directed all heads of operational units and commanders of the force nationwide to put in place high visibility policing strategies targeted at achieving a secure, peaceful and incident-free Sallah celebration.
His directive is sequel to the discovery of stockpiles of Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDS, arms and ammunitions in the northern part of the country purportedly by Boko Haram, in their bid to unleash terror during Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The IGP ordered commanders in-charge of the Police Special Forces – the Air Wing, the Maritime Command, the Counter Terrorism Unit and the Border Patrol Units to ensure purposeful and strategic deployment of their personnel and logistics to ensure all criminal threats are effectively contained.
A statement from Force headquarters signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba read in part, “As the Muslim faithful in Nigeria mark the 2013 Eid-el Kabir, the Inspector-General of Police, Abubakar has ordered all heads of Operational Units at commands and formations of the Force nationwide to put in place high visibility policing strategies targeted at achieving a secure, peaceful and incident-free Sallah celebration.
“Commissioners of Police are to adequately protect all essential infrastructure and vulnerable points, including highways, motor parks, and places of worship, shopping malls and recreation centres.
“In addition, Commanders of Police Mobile Force Squadrons are to ensure that their respective Quick Reactionary Units remain on high alert throughout the holiday period.”
Continuing, “The IGP reminded Operational Commanders that though the nation is on holiday, Policemen are not on holiday and all Commanders are expected to remain at their beats and posts throughout the Sallah period.”
In the same vein, officers and men deployed for the Eid-el Kabir celebrations have been urged to conduct themselves in a most professional manner, in line with the Force Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics and other extant laws regulating the rules of engagement.
They were charged by Mr. Abubakar to be mindful of the fundamental rights of the citizens in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The IG solicited the support, understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians in the ongoing transformation of the Nigeria Police, pledging the unalloyed loyalty of the Force to our fatherland.
-VANGUARD
