By Peter Omopo
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering in response to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police chief also instructed state commands to strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders and increase visibility policing around worship centres and other public spaces.
The directive places particular emphasis on the North West, North East and North Central zones, with orders to swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.
The statement noted that although Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation is under control, the Nigeria Police Force has reinforced proactive and intelligence-led policing measures nationwide.
Disu reassured Nigerians of the force’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the country would not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. He warned that any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into Nigeria would be met with the full weight of the law.
The police chief also called on community leaders to continue promoting peace and urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
He affirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains prepared and fully committed to safeguarding national security.
