In preparation for the upcoming Presidential inauguration ceremony slated for May 29 at Eagle Square, Abuja, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has announced that security has been beefed up across the country.
Security personnel have been assigned to guard and protect the Presidential Villa and other critical government installations. They will also be deployed to man the borders, seaports, airports, and entry and exit points of the Federal Capital Territory. Members of the Nigeria Police Force Special Forces, Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Anti-Bomb Squad, Force Intelligence Bureau of the Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, NPF Medical, NPF Mounted Troops, and K9, among others, have been selected to execute this mission.
At a press briefing held at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, warned non-state actors and individuals to seek redress through the proper channels. He assured the law enforcement agencies’ readiness to subdue any confrontations or acts of insecurity.
The IG noted that since the announcement of Bola Tinubu as President-elect, specific plans had been put in place to ensure the inauguration ceremony runs smoothly. The operation’s order will provide enhanced protection and security while allowing invited guests, Nigerians, and the international community to witness the event.
Baba stated that the police have partnered with all levels of government, private sectors, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies to ensure a seamless inauguration ceremony on May 29, 2023. He affirmed that the Nigeria Police Force is mobilising operatives to provide a comprehensive security arrangement.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a follow-up statement, announced that the IG had directed Command Commissioners of Police and other security agencies to carry out heavy deployments to fortify venues of the inauguration ceremonies in their various states. Adejobi added that inauguration ceremonies at all state levels had also been catered for.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba will be the overall commander of the operation, assisted by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, Adeleke Bode, and other security agencies’ heads of operation.
All citizens are urged to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding the inauguration ceremonies. The IG also reminds Nigerians to report any suspicious activity or persons to the police or other relevant security agencies.
