Ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the police and other security agencies across the country have deployed their personnel to ensure a hitch-free celebration.
In Lagos, the police on Thursday embarked on a show of force to demonstrate the command’s crime-fighting ability.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise which began at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja at about 8 am would last till 4 pm.
Two helicopters being operated by the state’s Rapid Response Squad were also deployed during the exercise.
Edgal Imohimi, the Commissioner of Police in the state, while addressing policemen from various divisions, said that the exercise was meant to assure Lagosians of the readiness of the Force to provide adequate security.
Imohimi added that the exercise was also to form a partnership with the public and not to intimidate them.
He said that the exercise would be carried out on land, water and sea by all police formations.
“The show of force is not only to display the police readiness and ability to protect, it also an assurance for members of the public to know that we are at alert.
“There is only one security agency that owns the town and that is the police.
“Many are not only envious of your position but will take over the city if you give them the chance.
“There is need for the public to know that we are in charge, other security agencies can only be in aid.
“We need to carry ourselves with integrity, check our discipline and be conscious of how we intend to hand over the force.
“Meanwhile, you people are better off because Lagosians appreciate you. Let that reflect in you and have a pleasant smiling face.
“The show of force is also to clean the battered image of the police. We need to gain the confidence of the people and let them key into this partnership by supplying intelligence information.
“This is also to show police readiness to combat crime during the Eid—el-Fitr celebration, the ember months and the coming election year,” the police boss said.
The Zamfara Police Command has also deployed 1,500 policemen to provide the security during and after the Eid-el-Fitr celebration in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state DSP Muhammad Shehu, and made available to newsmen in Gusau on Thursday.
He said the command had made arrangements to cover all the praying grounds, shopping malls and recreational centres across the state during the celebration.
“High visibility patrols, stop and search, intelligence/information gathering and raiding of criminals’ hideout will be sustained across the state to ensure that communities and villages are protected against the activities of disgruntled elements.
“Also, safer highway patrol teams have been deployed to all major roads in the state to ensure security, safety of travellers and commuters,’’ he said.
He noted that personnel deployed for the assignment are under strict instructions of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Kenneth Ebrimson, to be civil and polite in discharging their duties.
“The command urged members of the public to be law abiding and cooperate with police personnel deployed to their localities and report any incident or strange and suspicious movement to the nearest security post for prompt action,” he said.
In Niger, the police also deployed 1, 650 personnel to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration in the state.
Mr Dibal Yakadi, Commissioner of Police in the state, disclosed this in an interview with NAN on Thursday in Minna.
He said that elaborate security measures had been put in place to guarantee peace and security in the state.
Yakadi explained that the Divisional Police Officers across the 25 local government areas had been directed to provide adequate security at all Eid praying grounds.
He said that the patrols of major streets in the metropolis were to warn trouble-makers to steer clear of the state.
According to him, the patrols would also send a message to residents that the security agencies were capable of providing security for them.
The commissioner warned that the command would not tolerate any form of violence during and after the festival.
In Okitipupa, Ondo State, the police also assured residents of adequate security during the celebration.
The Divisional Police Officer in the area, CSP Fidelis Abayomi, told NAN in Okitipupa that the police and other security agencies would collaborate to guide against any criminality during the celebration.
He also warned criminals to steer clear of Okitipupa and its environs as his men are battle ready to arrest criminals.
“Our men are fully prepared to ensure adequate security in Okitipupa and its environs during this Sallah celebration.
“We have collaborated with other security agencies to ensure that residents enjoy their celebration without fear,” he said.
He further urged residents to be security conscious and report any strange people or movement to the police on time for proper action.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps in Gombe State has deployed 295 officers,10 patrol vehicles and four ambulances for effective patrol during the Eid-el-Fitr.
This was contained in a press release issued by Dr Godwin Omiko, the Sector commander, and made available to newsmen in Gombe on Thursday.
The statement enjoined road users to drive with caution as well as obey the traffic rules and regulations.
It further warned motorists to shun overloading, over speeding, wrongful overtaking as well as number plate and driver’s license violation.
