The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate deployment of police personnel to strategic locations and identified hotspots across the country ahead of the Yuletide celebrations.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed this in Abuja on Thursday, stating that the IGP specifically instructed personnel to address traffic issues, highway robberies, and other high-level criminal activities that often occur before, during, and after the festive season.
He explained that the directive was issued to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property during this period.
According to him, “The IGP has directed the immediate deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations, key areas, and identified hotspots across all states.
“This initiative is aimed at curbing traffic, highway robberies, and other criminal activities during this period of increased mobility, public gatherings, and celebrations,” Adejobi told journalists in Abuja.
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He noted that while the IGP remains committed to ensuring public safety, the police have made significant progress in combating criminal activities.
“Security operatives will be positioned to deter crimes through increased police presence and visibility on major highways and roads prone to criminal activities, particularly highway robberies, which tend to spike during festive seasons,” he said.
Highlighting recent successes of the Nigeria Police Force, Adejobi disclosed that on December 10, 2024, police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command arrested four suspected robbers.
The suspects, he said, include Akeem Alabi, Adewale Sogbesan, Emmanuel Izeagbe, and Francis Okoko, who confessed to being part of a robbery syndicate operating around the Costain area in Lagos State.
He also noted that on December 6, 2024, police operatives in Anambra State arrested a suspected armed robber, Miracle Mwakaloi, in Awka, where a search of his apartment led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles.
Adejobi affirmed that the force remains committed to providing a safe environment during and beyond the Yuletide season and assured Nigerians that the festive period would be celebrated without the threat of crime.
The FPRO urged members of the public to cooperate with police personnel and encouraged vigilance, advising citizens to report all suspicious activities to the police and other law enforcement agencies.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE