A file photo of a police patrol van.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has assured citizens of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Plateau, as well as those in neighbouring states of safety and security.
In a statement on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, he asked the people to go about their lawful day-to-day activities without fear.
The IGP’s assurance was in reaction to an internal directive issued to the Commissioners of Police in Plateau State and FCT Commands to forestall any likelihood of attacks or breach of security by organised criminal elements in their Areas of Responsibilities (AOR).
But Mba stated that the directive of the police boss was not intended to cause panic, but a deliberate, intelligence-driven, and proactive measure designed to prepare the law enforcement community for comprehensive response to any threat to lives and property.
“The IGP noted that the security alert, rather than becoming a source of panic to the citizens, should instead send a message of reassurance to them about the intelligence depth, capacity, and operational preparedness of the Nigeria Police to pre-emptively deal and contain any threat to public peace and security.
“The alert does not in any way suggest that an attack is imminent in any of the two states,” the statement said.
The police spokesman called for calm and urged the people to go about their normal activities with a renewed sense of vigour, patriotism, and vigilance.
He gave the assurance that the police would continue to work with other relevant stakeholders to keep the public space safe for everyone.
The internal directive was dated May 19, 2021, and signed by an acting Commissioner of Police and the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, Idowu Owohunwa.
The police chief had asked the police commissioners to be wary of plots by Boko Haram terrorists to attack major cities in the country, especially Abuja and Jos, the Plateau State capital.
According to him, the proposed attacks will be coordinated by a Boko Haram commander in Sambisa Forest, Muhammad Sani, and his deputy, Suleiman, said to be hibernating around Lawan Musa Zango in the Gashua area of Yobe State.
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