As situation remains fluid in the Middle East following ongoing war between the United States, Israel and Iran with the conflict expanding, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed all commissioners of police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, “to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.”
His directive is coming against the background of protest by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, popularly known as Shiites, in Niger State on Sunday to protest reports of the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in coordinated United States–Israel strikes on Iran.
Dozens of IMN members mobilised shortly after news of Khamenei’s alleged death filtered through social media channels and marched through parts of the Minna chanting solidarity slogans and waving Iranian flags and placards bearing inscriptions such as “We Stand With Iran,” “Free Iran,” and other anti-US and anti-Israel messages.
The movement, in a statement circulated among supporters, expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khamene’i, while pledging unwavering support for the Iranian people.
“We strongly condemn the United States–Israel aggression against Iran. The blood of martyrs will not be shed in vain,” part of the statement read.
The Acting IGP in a statement on Sunday by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, assured Nigerians of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of lives, property, and national peace, in light of evolving geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their potential global implications.
“While Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation firmly under control, the Force has reinforced proactive, intelligence-led policing measures across the country,” the statement stated.
Disu warned that “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.”
He called on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urges citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.
According to the Acting IGP, “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, prepared, and fully committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and maintaining national security at all times.”
The Abuja Inquirer learnt from other sources that even the military is on standby to deal with any threat to peace and stability of the country.
