The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has tightened security arrangements across Abuja as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, warning individuals with criminal intentions against using the celebration as an opportunity to commit offences.
The Command said security personnel had been strategically positioned across different parts of the Federal Capital Territory to protect residents, visitors and property during the anniversary celebrations.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Sanusi, gave the assurance in his Independence Day message to residents on Thursday, while calling on members of the public to celebrate the occasion peacefully and responsibly.
Sanusi said the police had put in place a range of security measures designed to prevent criminal activities and ensure that residents can participate in the celebrations without unnecessary fear or disruption.
According to him, personnel have been deployed for strategic operations and visibility patrols, while other proactive measures are being implemented across the Territory to maintain law and order.
The Commissioner emphasised that the police would remain vigilant throughout the celebration period, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activities or large gatherings.
He warned those intending to exploit the Independence festivities to perpetrate crime that the FCT would not be allowed to become a safe haven for unlawful activities.
The police command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, reinforced the warning, urging criminally minded individuals to stay away from the Federal Capital Territory or immediately desist from any illegal activities.
The Command said it would continue to deploy intelligence-led and preventive policing strategies to identify potential threats and respond to incidents capable of endangering public safety.
Adeh stated that the police remained determined to track down individuals involved in criminal activities and ensure that offenders were arrested and brought before the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
The security measures come as residents across the nation’s capital join millions of Nigerians in commemorating the country’s independence.
The anniversary provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, its achievements and the responsibilities required to build a peaceful and prosperous society.
While congratulating residents on the occasion, CP Sanusi urged Nigerians living in the FCT to embrace the values associated with the Independence Anniversary, including unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and collective responsibility.
He called on residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and avoid actions that could threaten public order during the celebration.
The Commissioner also encouraged members of the public to remain alert and report suspicious movements, persons or activities to the police or other relevant security agencies.
He assured residents that the Command would continue to maintain a strong security presence throughout the anniversary period and would respond appropriately to situations requiring police intervention.
The FCT Police Command further appealed to residents not to take the security arrangements for granted, stressing that effective policing requires cooperation between security agencies and members of the public.
According to the Command, residents have an important role to play in keeping their communities safe by providing useful information and avoiding activities that could create tension or disrupt public peace.
The police also reminded residents that the Independence celebration should be an opportunity for Nigerians to come together and demonstrate their commitment to peace and national development rather than create an avenue for disorder.
As celebrations continue across the FCT, the Command said its personnel would remain on duty to provide security coverage and protect lives and property.
The Commissioner subsequently wished residents a peaceful, safe and memorable Independence Day celebration, while reiterating the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the nation’s capital.
Residents who require urgent police assistance can contact the FCT Police Command through its emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08028940883.
The Command urged members of the public to celebrate responsibly, obey the law and work closely with security personnel to ensure that the 66th Independence Anniversary is observed peacefully across the Federal Capital Territory.