Nigeria Police step up vigilance amid Middle East tensions

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has reassured Nigerians that security agencies remain on high alert despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, insisting that the country’s internal security situation is stable and under control.

In a statement signed by the Ag. Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said the Ag. Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had ordered enhanced, intelligence-led policing nationwide to prevent any spillover effects from global developments.

The police said commissioners in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had been directed to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering, particularly in the North West, North East and North Central zones. The measures include closer collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, increased police visibility around places of worship and public spaces, and swift action against any individual or group seeking to exploit international events to incite unrest or sectarian tension.

According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force warned that Nigeria would not become a theatre for foreign conflicts, stressing that attempts to import external ideological or religious disputes would be met with the full force of the law.

The Ag. Inspector-General also appealed to community leaders to continue promoting peace and urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, encouraging them to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The police said they remain prepared and fully committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining national security across the country.