The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of police personnel to strategic locations across the country to tackle criminal activities during the festive season.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced this in a statement on Thursday. The deployment aims to ensure the safety of lives and property during the holiday season. According to the statement, the police will focus on curbing crimes such as traffic and highway robberies, which often increase during periods of high mobility and public gatherings.
“The IGP has directed the immediate deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations, key areas, and identified hotspots across all states. This initiative is aimed at curbing traffic, highway robberies, and other criminal activities during this period of increased mobility, public gatherings, and celebrations,” the statement read.
Adejobi emphasized that IGP Egbetokun is committed to public safety, noting that the police force has made significant progress in fighting crime. Police officers will be stationed to ensure increased visibility, particularly on highways known for criminal activities like highway robberies, which tend to rise during festive seasons.
The police spokesman also reassured Nigerians that the festive period will be safe and crime-free. He encouraged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement officers and stay vigilant.
“The IGP further encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities to the police and other law enforcement agencies,” Adejobi added.
Recent successes in the fight against crime were also highlighted. On December 10, 2024, police officers from the Lagos State Command arrested four suspected robbers: Akeem Alabi, Adewale Sogbesan, Emmanuel Izeagbe, and Francis Okoko. The suspects confessed to being part of a robbery syndicate operating around the Costain area in Lagos State.
Similarly, on December 6, 2024, police in Anambra State arrested a suspected armed robber, Miracle Mwakaloi, in Awka. During a search of his apartment, three AK-47 rifles were recovered.
