Ensure attackfree Sallah, IGP directs officers

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, on Sunday, ordered senior police officers to beef up security ahead of the Eidel-Kabir celebration and ensure incident-free Sallah by preventing any untoward situation in their Areas of Responsibility (AoR) throughout the Eid-el-Kabir season and beyond.

Baba specifically charged Commissioners of Police (CPs) in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to comply with the order.

In a statement signed by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, the IGP said the senior officers are to, among other things, deploy human and other operational assets to carry out confidencebuilding and crime prevention patrols on major highways.

Other places expected to be secured according to the IGP, include residential and industrial areas, vulnerable points, places of worship, other places of public resort and around all critical national infrastructure.

The police chief, however, warned that personnel deployed must be professional and mindful of the fundamental rights of the citizens, and discharge their responsibilities with all sense of decorum and alertness.

The statement added, “The IGP, while congratulating the Muslim Faithful in the country on the occasion of the year 2021 Eidel-Kabir celebration, reiterated that the Force would continue to improve on the recent gains achieved in stabilizing security order in parts of the country, protecting lives and property of citizens, and denying space for crimes and criminality to thrive in and around the country.

“He enjoins citizens to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the Eid-elKabir while remaining securityconscious and compliant with the COVID-19 prevention protocols.”