Inauguration: IG deploys helicopters, special forces, fortifies Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, on Thursday, announced that security has been beefed up across the country, in preparation for the Presidential inauguration ceremony slated for May 29 at Eagle Square, Abuja.

Adequate personnel have been detailed to protect the Presidential Villa, provide security at and around the Eagle Square, to man all the Nigerian borders, seaports, and airports, while others will equally be deployed to man the entry and exit points of the Federal Capital Territory, and other critical government installations.

Personnel billed for the operation are drawn from the Nigeria Police Force Special Forces, the Police Mobile Force, the Counter Terrorism Unit, the Special Protection Unit, the Anti-Bomb Squad, the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Intelligence Response Team, the Special Tactical Squad, NPF Medical, NPF Mounted Troops, and K9, among others.

The IG, while warning non-state actors, aggrieved groups or individuals to follow due process and the rule of law in seeking redress in their cases, vowed that law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to subdue any confrontation or act of insecurity.

Baba who made the revelations on Thursday during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, noted that since the announcement of Bola Tinubu as President-elect, specific plans had been formed for the inauguration ceremony, as contained in the operation order, which will provide enhanced protection while allowing invited guests, well-meaning Nigerians, and the international community to witness the event.

He added that the police has been working hand-in-hand in collaboration with all levels of government, private sectors, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all citizens; and have a laudable and seamless inauguration ceremony on May 29, 2023.

Baba said, “Since the conclusion of the 2023 general elections and the announcement of the President-elect, security has been beefed up throughout the country. We have formed specific plans for the inauguration ceremony as contained in the operation order, which will provide enhanced protection while allowing invited guests well-meaning Nigerians, and the international community to witness the event.

“We work hand-in-hand and collaborate with all levels of government, private sectors, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all citizens; and have a laudable and seamless inauguration ceremony on May 29, 2023.

 

“The Nigeria Police Force is mobilizing its operatives to provide a comprehensive security arrangement. Adequate personnel have been detailed to protect the Presidential Villa, provide security at and around Eagle Square, to man all the Nigerian borders, seaports, and airports, while others will equally be deployed to man the entry and exit points of the capital city, Abuja, and other critical government installations.

“Amongst these operatives are men drawn from the NPF Special Forces, Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Anti-Bomb Squad, FIB-Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, NPF Medical, NPF Mounted Troops, and K9, among others.

“The NPF has also deployed all its serviceable helicopters and highly efficient drones for aerial surveillance in Abuja and its environs. All NPF serviceable water canons and Armoured Personnel Carriers will as well be deployed to man strategic places around the capital city.”

Meanwhile, in a follow-up statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi notes that inauguration ceremonies at all state levels have also been catered for, adding that the IG has directed Command Commissioners of Police and other security agencies to carry out heavy deployments to fortify venues of the inauguration ceremonies in their various states.

Adéjọbí added, “The overall commander of this operation is the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, who will be assisted by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, Adeleke Bode, and other coopted heads of operations of other

security agencies.

“The IG therefore, urges all citizens to adhere to the rules and regulations as regards the inauguration. He also reminds good citizens of Nigeria to report any suspicious activity or persons to the Police or other relevant security agencies.”

Source: Punch