Yemi Akinsuyi in Abuja and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri
As part of efforts to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebrations, the
Inspector-General of Police (IG) Mohammed Abubakar has ordered
watertight security across the country.
Consequently, the IGP has directed all zonal Assistant
Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and command Commissioners of Police
(CPs) to ensure increased security surveillance, patrol and tactical
police presence on major highways, places of worship, recreation parks
and other sensitive, strategic and vulnerable places within their areas
of responsibility.
The police boss also directed command CPs to deploy their personnel to
guarantee the free-flow of traffic and safe passage for all travelers
and other road users and that highway patrol teams, working in
conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, should take adequate
measures in preventing road accidents and rendering assistance to
travelers particularly those in distress.
Abubakar, in a release signed by the Force Spokesperson, Frank Mba, a
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), enjoined the Muslim faithful
across the country to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitri with the
reassurance that the police are working to guarantee an all-round
security during the period of festivities and even thereafter.
The IG assured the public, especially worshippers, travelers and all
well-meaning citizens that the Nigeria police would continue to
discharge its constitutional responsibility of providing adequate
security for all.
It however advised Nigerians to at all times be security conscious and
report promptly, every suspicious movement by individuals or groups to
the police or other relevant security agencies.
He conveyed his goodwill and that of the entire officers and men of the
Nigeria Police Force to all Muslims in Nigeria, and also congratulated
all those who participated in the season’s fasting and prayed for the
peace, security and good governance of our country.
While reminding the Muslim faithful of the significance of the season,
the IG enjoined them to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues,
principles and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammed.
He called on all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious leaning and
inclination, to be tolerant and open-minded to issues of forgiveness,
national peace and co-existence.
In the meantime, it has emerged that seven policemen were slaughtered
by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect during last weekend’s
attacks on security facilities in Bama while many policemen are still
said to be missing.
This is just as the Borno State Government has doled out the sum of
N250,000 each to five policemen and three soldiers who sustained
injuries during the attack.
Though the Joint Task Force (JTF) had on Monday in a press release
claimed that one policeman was killed in the attack on Bama, a senior
public servant who preferred anonymity told journalists yesterday that
seven policemen were killed and several others were injured.
He said of the seven injured, five of them who are critical are still
receiving treatment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
The deputy governor, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha, who paid a visit to the injured security personnel yesterday gave out the money to assist the victims.
He said they were injured in the course of defending their nation and
wished them quick recovery, adding that the government will continue to
support security agencies in the state.
Also, in line with the tenet of giving in the Islamic religion,
especially during the Holy month of Ramadan, the state government gave
out food and textile materials to orphans, widows and the less
privileged members of the society.
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