The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued directives for the immediate deployment of police personnel to strategic locations, key areas, and identified hotspots across Nigeria.
The initiative aims to curb highway robberies, traffic-related crimes, and other criminal activities during the festive season.
In a statement released on Thursday via the Nigeria Police Force’s official X handle, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, highlighted the IGP’s commitment to ensuring public safety.
“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,” the statement read.
The statement further noted that police operatives would be positioned to deter crimes through increased visibility and presence on major highways and roads prone to 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,” it added.
Highlighting recent successes, Adejobi disclosed that on December 10, 2024, police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command apprehended four robbery suspects—Akeem Alabi, Adewale Sogbesan, Emmanuel Izeagbe, and Francis Okoko—who confessed to being members of a syndicate operating around the Costain area in Lagos.
Similarly, on December 6, 2024, a suspected armed robber, Miracle Mwakaloi, was arrested in Awka, Anambra State, leading to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles during a search of his apartment.
The FPRO reiterated the police force’s dedication to maintaining a safe environment during and beyond the Yuletide season.
“The NPF remains committed to providing a safe environment during and beyond the Yuletide season,” Adejobi affirmed, assuring Nigerians that the festive period would be celebrated without fear of crime.
Adejobi also urged citizens to cooperate with the police and stay vigilant. “The IGP further encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities to the police and other law enforcement agencies,” he added.
The deployment is part of proactive measures by the Nigeria Police Force to ensure a peaceful and secure festive season across the country.
