Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar on Sunday ordered a watertight 24-hour security for all government installations and strategic facilities nationwide throughout the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Abubakar, who gave the order in his Christmas message, directed Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police in charge of the 12 zonal, 36 state commands and the FCT to personally take charge of security.
He urged them to ensure that other vulnerable points such as financial houses, shopping malls, motor parks, places of worship and recreation centres are adequately protected before, during and after the celebrations, saying the measure is to ensure a crime-free Christmas, and enable holidaymakers, worshippers and the general public carry out their activities.
Huhuonline.com recalls that on 25th December 2011, a suicide bomber attacked worshippers at St. Theresa Catholic Church Madalla, Niger State, killing 13 people including children.
Abubakar said he had directed Commanders of Police Highway Patrol Teams to ensure that motorised patrols on the highways are at their peak to prevent crime and accident, and ensure a safe, secure and peaceful celebration.
“Policemen deployed on our highways have also been directed to render necessary assistance to travellers and road users, especially accident victims and those who may suffer vehicular break down.”
He also implored highway patrol officers to comport themselves and act within the confines of the law. He told them to be polite, civil and professional, and respect the fundamental rights of the citizens at all times. He also felicitated with Christians on the Christmas and noted that its significance is the birth of Jesus Christ.
“I urged you to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues and teachings of Christ, and be open-minded to issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious coexistence,” he told them. “I urge Nigerians to appreciate and respect the diversities of the nation, and leverage on same as source of strength for national development.”
Abubakar thanked them for cooperating with the Police in 2012 despite daunting security challenges, and solicited for further cooperation, saying that with all hands on deck the challenges would be overcome.
However, the Nigeria Police also on Sunday announced the sudden death of Mr Muktari Ibrahim, the assistant inspector general of police in charge of Zone 6 (Cross River, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom States).
In a statement, it said that the late Ibrahim, aged 55, died at the University Teaching Hospital, Calabar, on Saturday after a brief illness. He was buried on Sunday in Kano, his hometown, according to Islamic rites,
