Police set up ‘tactical operation points’ to halt terrorism

Acting Inspector-General of police (IGP),  Suleiman Abba, has ordered the immediate establishment of tactical operation points in the north east and the north west, the police spokesman, Frank Mba said on Wednesday.

The setting up of tactical operation points is part of measures lined up to contain the illegal movement of small arms and explosives.

“These points, which will be manned by policemen who have received adequate training in tactical operation and counter-terrorism, will be established in various strategic locations, including highways in Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states,” Mba said.

“Consequently, the IGP has charged all assistant inspectors-general of police in charge of the zones covering the affected states and all commissioners of police in charge of these states to ensure close supervision and constant re-skilling of the personnel performing this special operation.”

The acting IGP expressed optimism that the latest measure would enable the police to halt further spread of violence in the land and frustrate the activities of insurgents and other criminals.

“The force is determined to track and mop up illegal arms trade and arrest the unchallenged movement of explosive materials by hoodlums and other unpatriotic elements,” Mba said on the IGP’s behalf.

“While noting that the police will always work in close collaboration with other security forces in the land, the IGP vows that the force will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the citizens of Nigeria enjoy maximum safety and security in their own country.”

“He therefore calls on the general public, particularly those in the northeast and northwest to cooperate with the police and see any inconvenience this operation may cause as a necessary sacrifice for the greater safety of all.”

This will be Abba’s first approach at containing insurgency in the country. In his maiden speech he vowed to end violent crimes, and reposition the Nigeria police for better service to citizens.