IGP Orders DIGs, AIGs, Commissioners to Treat Every Crime as Attack on the Country

•Police promise security at Sallah, NSCDC deploy operatives across Nigeria

•Niger govt orders low key celebration

Michael Olugbode, Linus Aleke, KasimSumaina in Abuja,SegunAwofadejiin Bauchi,YinkaKolawole in Osogbo, Sylvester Idowu in Warri andLaleyeDipoin Minna

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police to treat every crime as an attack on the soul of the nation.

Egbetokun also urged them to review their local crime maps and respond to incidents timely and decisively.

The order came as the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed their men to different parts of the country to try to provide adequate security during the Sallah celebrations.

In Niger State, the government directed that the celebration of this year’s  Ed-el-Kabir should be low key, to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in last week’s Mokwa flood disaster.

Speaking at a conference with strategic police officers in Abuja, the IGP said policing must be intelligence-driven and technologically enhanced.

He stated, “Let our actions speak louder than our uniforms. Let our leadership inspire confidence in the ranks. Let our service reflect the best of Nigerian resilience and sacrifice. Redouble your crime-fighting efforts.

“Do not rest on your laurels. Treat every crime as an attack on the soul of our nation. Review your local crime maps. Respond to incidents timely and decisively. Let your presence be felt on the streets and in our communities.

“Stay ahead of emerging threats. From cyber-enabled crimes to trans-border criminal networks, our policing must be intelligence-driven and technologically enhanced. Maintain heightened vigilance. Patrols must be proactive. Commanders must stay close to the ground.

“Let intelligence drive every aspect of your deployment. Strengthen inter-agency synergy. No single agency can fight crime alone. Deepen your liaison with the military, NSCDC, NDLEA, and all other law enforcement agencies, as well as community-based groups, for seamless operations. And embrace a whole-of-society approach to policing.”

Egbetokun urged the police high command to lead by example and inspire their officers, stressing that good policing starts with good leadership.

“Let your men and women draw courage and inspiration from your example. Uphold integrity in all your dealings. Corruption, brutality, and negligence must find no space within our ranks,” he said.

He also revealed that the police apprehended no fewer than 1,774 criminal suspects for various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and murder, in two months.

The IGP stated that the police also recovered 274 assorted firearms and 2,583 rounds of ammunition, including 187 stolen and unregistered vehicles.

In addition, he said the police rescued 476 kidnap victims within the period under review.

Meanwhile, the police deployed their men in different parts of the country for security during the Sallah celebrations.

In Bauchi State, the police command assured the people that adequate security had been put in place to ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid-el-Adha in the state.

The police gave the assurance in a press statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Ahmed Wakil, and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday.

The command stated, “In anticipation of the upcoming Eid-el-Adha festivities scheduled for Friday, 06 June 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori, assures the citizens of Bauchi State of the command’s continued dedication to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents. This commitment encompasses proactive measures before, during, and after the celebration.”

In Delta State, the Commissioner of Police, OlufemiAbaniwonda, ordered deployment of personnel from Area Commands, Tactical Formations, and Divisions to ensure robust security at all Muslim prayer grounds and strategic locations across the state.

Abaniwonda also directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to intensify raids on criminal hideouts and known black spots within their jurisdictions.

The directives were contained in a statement issued yesterday by the PPRO for Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, a Superintendent of Police (SP).

According to Edafe, the police commissioner assured the public, particularly the Muslim faithful, of adequate security provisions and smooth flow of traffic throughout the state ahead of the Eid celebrations.

At the same, Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, ordered the deployment of over 28,000 personnel across the country to ensure security of life and property during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Officers deployed were from the Intelligence Directorate, Special Female Squad, Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshals, Quick Response Tactical Team, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Operations Department, and Special Weapon and Tactics operatives (SWAT).

Audi disclosed that the directive was part of his determination to ensure the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, and safety of life and property, as well as forestall all acts of criminal tendencies planned by unscrupulous elements as the festive season approaches nationwide.

He emphasised NSCDC’s resolve to tackle the challenges of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, illegal bunkering, vandalism of critical infrastructure.

Audi also disclosed NSCDC’s determination to tackle the menace of herders’ attacks on crop farming communities and all acts of economic sabotage.

He called for effective cooperation and coordination among the security agencies to defeat the unfriendly forces and overcome the scourge posed by asymmetric conflicts in the country.

During a strategic security meeting with the corps’ top management, state commandants and heads of formations, Audi charged the officers and men to improve Intelligence gathering techniques through community engagement and grassroots security agencies.

He said the bedrock of any security organisation and every successful operation was credible intelligence tip-off at the disposal of the operatives.

NSCDC deployed 4,500 personnel in Abuja ahead of the Eid- el- Kabir celebration. The deployment was ordered by the FCT Commandant of NSCDC, Dr. OlusolaOdumosu.

Commandant of Osun State Command of NSCDC, IgbalawoleSotiyo, said they had also ordered a strategic deployment of 1,550 personnel to cover the state, especially praying grounds, critical national assets and infrastructure, recreational centres, and other public places, for a hitch free Eid-el-kabir celebration.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) equally deployed no fewer than 36,000 of its regular and special marshals, and about 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks, and over 200 bikes for safer road environment, before, during and after the Eid el Kabir celebrations.

The corps said the special operation, billed for June 5 – 11, was pursuant to the declaration of 6 June 6 as the day of Eid el Kabir in the country.

Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who authorised the special operations, revealed that the mission was to ensure free flow of traffic, provide prompt rescue services, and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country before, during and after the festive period.

Mohammed said it was also to minimise the occurrence of road crashes on the nation’s highways through effective patrol operations and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.

Niger Orders Low Key Sallah Celebration

Niger State Government directed that the celebration of this year’s Sallah should be low key to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in last week’s Mokwa flood disaster.

A statement by Secretary to the State Government, AlhajiAbubakarUsman, said all forms of durbar “and other forms of celebrations should be put off this year across all emirates in the state”.

Usman said in the statement, “This decision was taken as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic incident and to allow for a period of mourning, prayer and reflection.”

The statement said Governor Mohammed Bago had approved the decision and asked all citizens to use the occasion to pray for the departed souls and engage in acts of charity for the affected communities.

No fewer than 158 people were officially confirmed dead in the disaster, which rendered 3,083 persons homeless.

The federal government had already declared Friday and Monday as public holidays in commemoration of the Islamic festival.