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| Abubakar and Olubolade |
The assurances came in their goodwill Yuletide messages to Nigerians, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. James Odaudu, and the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP, Frank Mba.
The duo made it clear that the nation has been fortified against all kinds of crimes and criminality this Yuletide season.
The Minister, in his statement, said all Police formations nationwide have been put on red alert to prevent people with evil machinations from achieving their aims, noting that the various training programmes embarked upon by the Nigeria Police Force in areas such as counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering and community policing have started yielding positive results as shown in the appreciable reduction in terrorist activities.
He warned all those with evil intentions for the festive season to retrace their steps, as no effort would be spared in fishing out both perpetrators and sponsors, no matter their positions in the society.
According to him, "no religion advocates violence against non-adherents, so nobody should hide under the cover of any religion to destroy innocent lives and cause misery to others. "
He, however, described the Saturday attack on some telecommunication facilities in Kano by suicide bombers as an attempt to cause panic among Nigerians in the wake of the festive period and therefore urges all Christians and non-Christians alike to use the Christmas celebrations to pray for God's intervention in the affairs of the nation and to also make personal commitments to the restoration of national peace and security, without which no meaningful development can be achieved.
He renewed his appeal for all Nigerians to combine security consciousness with their celebrations and assist the police and other security agencies by promptly providing useful information on suspicious activities of people around them and wishes all Nigerians a violence-free and crime-free celebration.
For the IGP, the police spokesperson said, “the IGP on behalf of the Police High Command, officers and men of the Force, heartily felicitates with Christians in Nigeria as they join their counterparts across the globe to joyfully celebrate this year’s Christmas.
“While reminding Christians of the very significance of Christmas – the holy birth of Jesus Christ; the IGP enjoins them to emulate and imbibe the worthy virtues, principles and teachings of Christ, by being open minded to issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious co-existence, especially, at this auspicious moment in the history of our country. He calls on all Nigerians to appreciate and respect the diversity of the nation, and leverage on same as a source of strength and medium for national development.
“Therefore the IGP has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General and State Command Commissioners of Police to take all necessary measures to ensure the provision of adequate security across the country before, during and after the celebration.
“CPs are to personally, ensure that key and vulnerable points including: shopping malls, motor parks, financial houses, places of worship, recreation centres and other public places are adequately and effectively protected, to enable holiday makers, worshipers and the general public enjoy maximum fulfillment.
“Also to be secured for 24 hours are government installations, strategic facilities and other key targets.
“In addition, Commanders of Police Highway Patrol Teams have been directed to ensure that motorized patrols on our highways targeted at crime and accident prevention, are intensified to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful celebration.
“He also stated that Police men deployed on the highways have also been directed to render necessary assistance to travelers and road users, especially accident victims and those who may suffer vehicular break down.
“The IGP warned officers who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that they comport themselves and act within the confines of the law. They must be firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned roles, giving due regard and respect to the fundamental human rights of citizens at all times.
“On the other hand, in the spirit of the season, the IGP expresses his gratitude to Nigerians for their cooperation, patience and understanding all through 2012, particularly in the face of daunting national security challenges. He sues for peace from all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, political and socio-cultural leaning, expressing the belief that the country’s multifarious challenges, including that of security, are surmountable with all hands on deck.
“The Police Chief equally uses this medium to pay
tribute to all Officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, for their
dedication, tireless courage and selfless service to father-land and humanity.
He restated his resolve and commitment to reposition the Force, bargain for
better welfare package and a more humane and conducive working condition for
Police personnel. He commiserates with families of patriotic members of the
Force who, like the heroes they truly were, paid the supreme price in the
out-going year, to ensure that Nigerians enjoy peace and security.
“Finally, the IGP seeks the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians, assuring that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will eventually be won.”
Also yesterday, the police renewed calls on residents of Borno to supply vital information on suspected criminals and terrorists hideouts in the state.
Mr Ibrahim Leha, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, made the appeal shortly after interacting with the officers and men of the police command in Maiduguri.
Leha told newsmen that the residents must cooperate with the police if they wished to overcome the current security challenges facing the state.
``We want the residents to know that the police are here to help fight criminals and terrorists in the society. But the police cannot succeed in doing this without the support and cooperation of the people,'' he said.
Leha explained that the police could not operate successfully without the people's help.
``People should know that the police are their friends. We must work together to fight the criminals and terrorists hiding among the people,'' he said.
Leha, however, acknowledged that the police had recorded some level of success in the state in the fight against crime.
``I came here to see things for myself in both Borno and Yobe states. I must confess that from what I saw, there are lots of improvements in the police fight against crime in the states,’’ he said.
Leha lamented that the security challenges in the state had almost crippled social and economic life and urged the people to team up with the police and other security agencies in their quest to address the problem.
He thanked other security agents for their supports and cooperation with the police.
“Finally, the IGP seeks the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians, assuring that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will eventually be won.”
Also yesterday, the police renewed calls on residents of Borno to supply vital information on suspected criminals and terrorists hideouts in the state.
Mr Ibrahim Leha, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, made the appeal shortly after interacting with the officers and men of the police command in Maiduguri.
Leha told newsmen that the residents must cooperate with the police if they wished to overcome the current security challenges facing the state.
``We want the residents to know that the police are here to help fight criminals and terrorists in the society. But the police cannot succeed in doing this without the support and cooperation of the people,'' he said.
Leha explained that the police could not operate successfully without the people's help.
``People should know that the police are their friends. We must work together to fight the criminals and terrorists hiding among the people,'' he said.
Leha, however, acknowledged that the police had recorded some level of success in the state in the fight against crime.
``I came here to see things for myself in both Borno and Yobe states. I must confess that from what I saw, there are lots of improvements in the police fight against crime in the states,’’ he said.
Leha lamented that the security challenges in the state had almost crippled social and economic life and urged the people to team up with the police and other security agencies in their quest to address the problem.
He thanked other security agents for their supports and cooperation with the police.
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