IGP orders ‘watertight’ security around schools, hospitals to forestall attacks

Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered officers to ensure “watertight” security around critical infrastructure as part of efforts to prevent attacks.

The IGP’s directive was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

According to the statement, schools, hospitals would be among places prioritised.

Adejobi added that regular raids and patrols would also be carried out in strategic areas across the country.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, has ordered the deployment of water-tight security arrangements to cover all schools, hospitals, health workers, and critical national infrastructure around the country,” the statement reads.

“The IGP has equally ordered regular patrols, stop and search, raids, and show of force by tactical commanders to clamp down on pockets of crime and criminality recorded in some states of the federation.

“The IGP gave the directive while reviewing the general security situation of the nation via reports from commands and formations across the country. The IGP has however tasked strategic police managers at various levels to prioritise the use of intelligence gathering networks, particularly traditional/local intelligence to locate criminal hideouts and flush them out before they strike.

“He has equally charged all officers and men to be on the offensive, and take the fight against crime to the doorposts of suspected criminal elements, including bushes and uncompleted buildings, profile them, and charge those found wanting to courts accordingly.”

The IGP also urged Nigerians to cooperate with the NPF in the light of the new directive, “as many police operatives will be seen at strategic areas, routes and communities”.

He, however, warned officers to ensure they are committed to being professional while carrying out their duties.