The defence Headquarters has ordered members of the Joint Task Force teams engaged in the maintenance of internal security in the country to maintain a high state of alert on their duty post during the Ramadan holiday.
Last week, it ordered the beefing up of security in the Yobe, Borno and Adamawa States where state of emergency were declared on 14th May, following renewed attacks by members of the Boko Haram sect on schools in Yobe and some villages in Bama, Borno State.
According to Defence spokesman, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, the military is maintaining alertness throughout the country to prevent criminals who may want to exploit the festivity to perpetuate their illegal acts or attack innocent citizens He said soldiers who returned from Mali this week have also been deployed to Yobe, Adamawa and Borno States to further tighten the perceived loopholes were noticed by the CDS assessment team that visited the areas in July. Olukolade added that the curfew imposed in Yobe State following the recent attacks has been reduced.
Also speaking, Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru restated the Army’s unwavering commitment to the maintenance of national security. Speaking at a press conference, Attahiru assured that the Nigerian Army will remain vigilant in order to lower vulnerability through proactive measures.
“This is aimed at preventing the spread of terrorism to other parts of the country,” he said, adding that “these measures have yielded results with the recent arrest in Lagos and Osun States of 42 suspected terrorists.”
He assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will continue to constantly review its strategies towards greater sophistication in tackling the security challenges confronting the country.
In the same vein, officers in charge of zonal and state commands have been ordered to ensure water-tight security “before, during and after” Sallah celebrations.Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar gave the order in his goodwill message to Muslims released to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
The IGP directed Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of the 12 zonal commands to ensure increased surveillance, patrol and tactical police presence on the highways and places of worship, adding that such surveillance and high security presence should be extended to recreation parks, strategic and other vulnerable areas. In addition, he directed commissioners of police in charge of states to adequately deploy personnel to guarantee free flow of traffic and safe passage of travellers through their domains.
“Highway patrol teams working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies are equally directed to take adequate measures in preventing road accidents and rendering assistance to travellers, particularly those in distress,” a part of the message read.
He further congratulated all Muslims who participated in the Ramadan fasting, after which he prayed for the peace and security of the country.
Abubakar implored them to imbibe the principles and teachings of Prophet Muhammed, assuring Nigerians of adequate security throughout the celebration, as the Police would continue working round the clock to ensure just that.