14th October, 2013
As Muslim faithful in Nigeria mark the 2013 Eid-el-Kabir, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered tight security nationwide to ensure peaceful and incident-free celebrations.
The police boss, in a statement signed by Frank Mbah, the Force Public Relations Officer, ordered all heads of Operational Units at Commands and formations of the Force nationwide to carry out this directive contained in a Police signal issued on 12th October, 2013.
The directive was specifically addressed to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in-charge of Zones and State Command Commissioners of Police.
Abubakar further directed Commanders in-charge of the Police Special Forces – the Air Wing, the Maritime Command, the Counter Terrorism Unit and the Border Patrol Units- to ensure purposeful and strategic deployment of their personnel and logistics to ensure all criminal threats are effectively checkmated.
According to the statement, “Command Commissioners of Police are to adequately protect all essential infrastructure and vulnerable points including highways, motor parks, places of worship, shopping malls and recreation centres. In addition, Commanders of Police Mobile Force Squadrons are to ensure that their respective Quick Reactionary Units remain on high alert throughout the holiday period.
“The IGP reminded Operational Commanders that though the nation is on holiday, policemen are not on holiday and all commanders are expected to remain at their beats and posts throughout the Sallah period.”
Also, officers and men deployed for the Eid-el Kabir celebrations were enjoined to conduct themselves in a most professional manner, in line with the Force Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics and other extant laws regulating the rules of engagement.
The IGP charged them to be mindful of the fundamental rights of the citizens, while discharging their responsibilities.
Abubakar, on behalf of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, also extended his hearty greetings to all the Muslim faithful in Nigeria, as they join their brothers across the globe to mark the 2013 Eid-el Kabir.
He expressed the belief that Almighty Allah will answer to their fervent prayers, grant the nation the grace to overcome its current challenges, and sought the support, understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians in the ongoing transformation of the Nigeria Police, pledging the unalloyed loyalty of the Force to Nigeria.