Xmas: IGP beefs up security in 36 states

Five units  of Police mobile squad to be manned by 63 policemen have been  established in  36 States by the Inspector General of police, Abukakar Idris,  as part of measures for a hitch-free Christmas and New Year  Celebration in the country.

The  Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Chris Okey Ezike, disclosed  in a briefing  with news men stated that this was part of the security arrangements  put in place for the  festive period. He said that  the police  had identified  pressure points  and injected  tactical force to enhance visibility and also to strengthen  its crime prevention strategy.

The police boss said that the tactical intelligence unit of the command had been reinvigorated to take care of isolated kidnap cases.

He explained that with a population  of over 5 million people, growing  commercial activities and proximity  to neighbouring  states such as Rivers, Abia and Anambra, fighting crime in Imo has become  difficult. But, he assured the public that the police is now, more than ever, determined to make the state  a safe haven.

“Our  whistle  blowing  policy and regular interaction with members  of the public  to protect  lives  and property  will continue   as the result  has been  quite  impressive”.

Ezike  also said  the cancellation  of annual  and casual leaves  for  all police men in the state during  this festive period, is to ensure  that police  in the state perform maximally  throughout  the celebration period.

He called on all to cooperate with the police on stop and search duty, on robust patrol and raid on criminal hideouts. He also pleaded with motorists and other road users to cooperate with the police at check points. “He advised them to call the Police when there is infraction.

In addition, Ezike pleaded with politicians and wealthy citizens who besiege  the police  with requests  for personal police orderlies to exercise  patience, lamenting that the  command is currently  battling   with inadequate  number  of personnel.