The Nigeria Police Force has ordered heightened security measures across the country following escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that Nigeria will not be allowed to become a battleground for foreign conflicts.
Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu, issued the directive on Sunday, March 1, instructing all Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to immediately strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and visibility policing.
The order, contained in a statement signed by ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, Acting Force Public Relations Officer, placed particular emphasis on the North-West, North-East, and North-Central zones, where the police leadership appears concerned about the potential for global events to stir religious or sectarian tensions.
Commissioners of Police were specifically directed to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering in their respective commands, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and move swiftly against any individual or group attempting to exploit international developments to incite unrest.
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“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law,” the statement warned.
The IGP assured Nigerians that the country remained stable and its internal security situation was firmly under control but said the force had nonetheless reinforced proactive and intelligence-led policing measures as a precautionary step.
Disu called on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, prepared, and fully committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and maintaining national security at all times,” the statement said.
The IGP asked Nigerians to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.