Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Baba Alkali has again vowed not to spare anyone that attempts to disrupt Monday’s presidential inauguration in Abuja.
Alkali said the police were collaborating with other security agencies to forestall any eventuality.
He said in a statement on Thursday by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi that security had been beefed up throughout the country.
The Police boss added: “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.
“Serviceable helicopters and highly efficient drones for aerial surveillance in Abuja and its environs are to be deployed.
“Adequate personnel have already 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 capital city, Abuja, and other critical government installations.
“All NPF serviceable water canons and Armoured Personnel Carriers
(APCs) will as well be deployed to man strategic places around the capital city. Police and other security operatives will be located along routes to and from the inauguration grounds.
During the event, we will be taking rigorous safety measurements on the persons entering the venue, which include screenings and searches and take charge of traffic control in collaboration with the protocol sub-committee of the transition committee to have seamless traffic flow.”
Alkali advised that Nigerians need not panic “due to the fireworks’ that would be on display during the ceremony.
Like the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the IGP advised Nigerians who do not have any business around Eagle Square to steer clear.
He also announced that “there will be traffic diversions on the Goodluck Jonathan Expressway by Court of Appeal; Deeper Life Junction, Bond/Total Filling Station, POWA/FCDA Junction, Finance Junction by ECOWAS/Women Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Eagle Square ( Phase 1 & Phase 11), Kur Muhammad Way/National Mosque, Abia House, NITEL Junction by Ademola Adetokunbo, Gana Junction/Transcorp, Bayelsa House by Federal High Court, Aso Drive, Ceddi Plaza, NNPC Twin Tower, and NNPC/NBS” on Monday.
