The Inspector-General of Police has ordered an intensive round-the-clock security of all public spaces and critical national assets.
He directed state Commissioners of Police and their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to ensure adequate deployment of police personnel – both covert and overt operatives, and other operational assets in areas of security interest within their respective areas of responsibility.
A statement on Friday by the force spokesman, Frank Mba, said the officers are also to ensure confidence-boosting, proactive and high visibility patrols on the highways, motor parks, train stations, airports, worship centres, banks and other financial institutions while taking adequate measures to provide a peaceful, crime-free and enabling environment for religious, cultural and other socio-economic activities to thrive.
It stated, “In addition, the Commissioners of Police and their supervising AIGs have been directed to ensure proper supervision of the men assigned for these assignments. They must be professional and courteous to law-abiding citizens but firm and ruthless to criminals.”
Meanwhile, the Cross River State Police Command has banned procession during Easter celebration by various groups such as Agaba, Nnabor and others to avoid violence.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Irene Ugbo, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Ugbo said, “It has come to the knowledge of the Cross River State Police Command that some persons or group of persons under the aegis of secret confraternity/cult groups whose aim is to disturb the peace of the land, molest, steal, even maim unsuspecting members of the public intend to go on procession under the cover of Easter celebration.
“It is to be noted for the avoidance of doubt that the ban on procession has not been lifted as such violators of this order will be decisively dealt with.”
Also, the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have deployed 9,750 operatives in Rivers State to ensure there are no security breaches.
Spokesman for the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni told Saturday PUNCH that about 7,000 cops were drafted to various parts of the state.
On his part, the NSCDC Commandant, Rivers State Command, Muktar Lawal, in a statement by the command’s spokesman, Oguntase Michael, said 2,750 personnel would be deployed.
He added, “The personnel would be deployed to all recreation centres and places of worship in the state to ensure a hitch-free celebration.”