By Nworisa Michael
The Nigeria Police Force has placed all commands across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on high alert amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement issued Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the directive followed orders from Acting Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, who called for proactive security measures to safeguard national peace.
According to the statement, the move is aimed at preventing any attempt to exploit global geopolitical developments to trigger unrest within Nigeria.
The Acting IGP specifically instructed Commissioners of Police in the Northwest, Northeast, and North Central zones to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and community engagement.
Police presence is also expected to increase around worship centres, critical infrastructure, and other public spaces as part of efforts to deter potential threats.
“The nation’s internal security remains under control. Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts,” the statement said, warning that any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country would be met with the full weight of the law.
The police leadership urged religious and traditional leaders to promote calm and discourage the spread of inflammatory narratives. Citizens were also advised to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
IGP Disu reassured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that measures have been put in place to prevent any spillover effects from the Middle East crisis.