The police said adequate personnel had been deployed to motor parks, highways and other public places across the nation to provide security throughout the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, in an interview with newsmen after he returned from a two-hour aerial patrol.
Abba said current security trend coupled with traffic challenges at festive period like the Christmas and New Year celebrations necessitated the patrol.
“Within the two hours we went on the patrol, covering three states, Kaduna, Kogi and Niger, we saw a lot of improvement in terms of adequate security and the control of traffic.
“I was impressed with the presence of police either in patrol cars or by their static presence on the road.
“By our arrangements, by our plans and by our strategies, we believe that we will do everything to make sure that Christmas and New Year celebrations are crime free.
“Not only that, we will do everything possible to make sure that everybody celebrating it has that sense of security to go about the celebration,” Abba said.
The IG along with the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, Mr. Sotonye Wakama, and Commissioner of Police, FCT, embarked on the patrol.
Abba called on the public to cooperate with the force in ensuring the security of all Nigerians at this particular period and at all times.
“We cannot do it alone, the public will need to join us in this and I must tell you it is a serious business,” Abba said.
On whether the patrol would be extended to the North East, Abba said that would not be possible now due to logistic challenges.
He, however, added that the military was already doing what was required to ensure security in that area.
Abba called for timely report all forms of threat to the police or other security agencies for prompt action and wished Nigerians a happy Xmas.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti, also on Wednesday directed all divisions in the state to ensure watertight security during Christmas celebration.
Aderanti said that all area commanders, divisional police officers and commanders of all police operational and other combat outfits are to ensure adequate security during the celebration.
In a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ken Nwosu, the commissioner said that adequate attention should be given to places of worship and other public places.
“Adequate attention should be paid to places such as churches and mosques, parks, bus, train and boat terminals.
“Strategic infrastructure should be adequately protected during this period.
“All area commanders and DPOs have been enjoined to ensure visibility policing as a confidence building measure,” he said.
According to him, the measure is to ensure that all residents of Lagos State enjoy a peaceful celebration.
“I pray that the lessons of the season will serve as a turning point for mutual coexistence of residents of the centre of excellence,’’ he said.
