The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a nationwide deployment of police personnel and operational assets to ensure security during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The directive forms part of the Nigeria Police Force’s festive-season security strategy and requires all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and State Commissioners of Police to strengthen patrols, increase police visibility, carry out intelligence-led operations, and enhance community engagement throughout the period.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said several specialised units have been placed on heightened operational alert. These include the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing.
Hundeyin explained that the deployment will cover places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other densely populated areas. Additional patrol and surveillance teams have also been assigned to interstate routes and major expressways to curb crime, traffic congestion, and road accidents.
The IGP further directed police commands to sustain raids on criminal hideouts, forests, blackspots, and identified flashpoints, while strengthening cooperation with other security agencies. Officers on duty were instructed to be firm, professional, and courteous in the discharge of their responsibilities.
Egbetokun also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through official emergency lines.
The directive comes less than 24 hours after the Defence Headquarters announced similar security measures following intelligence reports warning of possible attacks during the festive period.
