By Saidu Idris
365Daily – The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Baba, has assured residents of Plateau State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of their safety.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr Frank Mba, conveyed this in a statement on Friday, May 21, 2021, in Abuja.
Reports of an internal memo from the IG directing Commissioners of Police in Plateau and FCT to take proactive measures to forestall any form of attack in their areas on Friday caused panic among residents.
The IG had urged them in the memo to protect critical national infrastructure in their Areas of Responsibilities (AOR) following a planned attack by elements of the Boko Haram.
However, the Spokesman of the Police explained that the directive was a deliberate, intelligent driven and proactive measure by the Nigeria Police to forestall any likelihood of an attack or breach of security by “organised criminal elements.”
According to him, it was aimed at preparing the law enforcement community for a comprehensive response to any threat to lives and property.
He added that the security alert should be seen as a message of reassurance about the intelligence depth, capacity and operational preparedness of the Nigeria Police instead of being a source of panic.
“The alert does not in any way suggest that an attack is imminent in any of the two states,” he said.
He called for calm and urged citizens to go about their normal activities with a renewed sense of vigour, patriotism and vigilance.