Nigeria’s police leadership has activated heightened security measures across several northern states amid rising global tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran (Middle East).
The directive, issued by the acting Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, places state commands in the Northwest, Northeast and Northcentral zones on red alert as authorities seek to prevent any spillover effects capable of aggravating domestic security challenges.
Under the new measures, commissioners of police in the affected zones have been instructed to scale up intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.
They are also to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers and religious leaders to pre-empt any narratives that could inflame sectarian or communal tensions.
In addition, the police are to intensify visibility patrols around worship centres and other public spaces, while responding swiftly to any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit international developments to incite unrest.
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The guidance was conveyed in a statement released in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, an acting Assistant Commissioner of Police.
According to the statement, the police leadership remains committed to safeguarding lives, property and national stability, particularly at a time of heightened global uncertainty.
The statement reads: “While Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation firmly under control, the Force has reinforced proactive, intelligence-led policing measures across the country.
“The acting IGP has directed all commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with particular attention to the Northwest, the Northeast, and the Northcentral zones, to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law.
“IGP Disu calls on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urges citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, prepared, and fully committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and maintaining national security at all times,” the statement added.
