Ahead of the October 1 Independence Day anniversary, the police commands, formations and zones nationwide have been directed to tighten security in their various locations.
According to reports by Punch, it was learnt that the police would set out about 13 helicopters for an in-flight guard nationwide with additional road patrol, sniffer dogs, intelligence operatives and undercover agents, to ensure there is safety cover for Nigerians while we celebrate our freedom.
Speaking with Sunday Punch on Friday, September 26, 2014, the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said that the Acting Inspector-General (IG) of Police, Suleiman Abba, had issued an order to all police commands, formations and zones to beef up security in their respective jurisdictions ahead of the independence day.
According to him, all dark spots, highways, critical public infrastructure, shopping malls, parks and gardens, as well as relaxation centres, would be given adequate security to enable Nigerians enjoy a peaceful Independence anniversary.
Ojukwu explained that the IG had issued directives to all zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Intelligence, Command Commissioners of Police and the Commissioners of Police in charge of the various police special squads, such as the Counter Terrorism Unit, Police Mobile Force and Special Protection Unit, to be vigilant to ensure that police workers are successfully and tactically distributed nationwide.
He said, “The Police High Command has directed all policemen nationwide to be on alert and to ensure full security coverage for Nigerians as we celebrate the independence on October 1.
“As part of strategies to secure the nation, 13 helicopters will be deployed for aerial patrol; motorized patrols would also comb every nook and cranny of our cities and this would be complemented with our sniffer dogs, the mounted personnel, intelligence operatives and the regular men.”
Furthermore, Ojukwu revealed that other security agencies would work hand in hand with the police in order to achieve a common goal of security and safety of Nigerians.
