The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the massive deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to guarantee a safe, peaceful, and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebration.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Force PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) to intensify patrols, enhance visibility policing, and sustain intelligence-led operations throughout the festive period. He also mandated confidence-building engagements with communities as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive security strategy for the Yuletide season.
According to the directive, specialised units including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing have been placed on heightened operational readiness nationwide.
The deployment will cover places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other high-density public spaces. Additional patrol and surveillance teams have also been activated along interstate routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents. Officers on duty have been instructed to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The IGP further ordered all police commands to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts, and flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
While wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, Egbetokun urged citizens to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through available emergency lines.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the festive season and beyond in an atmosphere of peace, safety, and security.
