The inspector-general of police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar yesterday ordered a 24-hour tight security for all government installations, strategic facilities and public places nationwide throughout the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Abubakar, who gave his officers the marching orders in his Christmas message, also directed assistant inspectors-general of police (AIGs) and commissioners of police in charge of the 12 zonal, 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to personally take charge of the task.
He directed the officers to ensure that other vulnerable places such as financial houses, shopping malls, motorparks, places of worship and recreation centres were adequately protected.
Abubakar said the measure was to ensure a crime-free Christmas and to enable holiday makers, worshippers, tourists and the general public to carry out their activities in peace.
The IG also directed commanders of police highway patrol teams to intensify motorised patrols on the highways, and warned officers deployed during the period to comport themselves and act within the confines of the law. He enjoined them to be polite, civil and professional, and respect the fundamental rights of the citizens.
The IGP called on adherents of the Christian faith to pray for the nation over the current security challenges. Reminding them of the significance of Christmas – the holy birth of Jesus Christ, Abubakar urged them to emulate the virtues of Christ by being open-minded to issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious co-existence. He called on all Nigerians to appreciate and respect the diversities of the nation, and to take advantage of it for national development.
?Abubakar expressed gratitude to the public for cooperating with police in 2012 in the face of the daunting security challenges and solicited for further cooperation, saying that with all hands on deck, the challenges would be overcome.