The Nigerian Army and the police have called on Nigerians to observe vigilance in the light of the present security situation in the country.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, in a statement, Monday, by Acting ACP Olabisi Kolawole, the Force Public Relations Officer, said the call has become necessary in ‘view of the Yuletide season and the security challenges in the country.’
The police chief warned ’all citizens to be vigilant while receiving gifts from unknown persons that may pose as friends during the season, to avoid explosive-laden hampers as gifts.’
“The Inspector-General of Police also cautions against the use of fireworks such as knockout, “bangers” and other explosives in the celebrations as they could cause distraction that may further heighten fear of insecurity. He also enjoins citizens to shun all forms of violence and unlawful acts, eschew bitterness, hatred and rancour and go about their legitimate duties without fear of intimidation from any quarter during and after the season,” the statement said.
The IGP has also directed all Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police, to ‘take necessary measures in ensuring the provision of adequate security for worshippers, travellers, picnickers and all citizens across the country before, during, and after the celebration’ so as to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Yuletide.
“Command Commissioners of Police are to personally ensure that all key and vulnerable points within their jurisdictions, including places of worship, recreation centres, motor parks, shopping malls, highways, financial institutions and all places of public resorts are adequately and effectively protected,” the IGP stated.
On its part, the Nigerian Army, has also called on Nigerians to be extra-vigilant and security-conscious as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
Col. Sani Usman, Director, Army Public Relations, made the call while delivering a lecture at an inaugural Annual Lecture of Class 1992 Alumni of Mass Communication Department, Bayero University Kano (BUK) on Sunday.
Presenting his paper was titled: “Crisis Communication for Security Consciousness;” A Case Study of Nigeria, Usman said citizens should not only rely on security agencies for protection, but should be security-conscious and provide useful information to relevant security agencies in the country.
“With the kind of intelligence we receive regularly from the military and security operatives, the citizens need to be proactive and security-conscious while the media intensify campaign on same.
“Internal security challenge is not a problem unique to Nigeria. The U.S., UK, France and many other countries, face similar challenges within their borders on daily basis”.
He said the difference between those countries and Nigeria was the management of threats by the government and the citizenry, how knowledgeable they are, how patriotic and united their citizens are against threats of insecurity and crisis.
“The countries are never divided on any ground when the interest of the nation is the subject. This cushions the effects of those crises on their national security and image.
“The media need to mobilise people during crisis as a cardinal element of national security effort,’’ he said.
He urged the media to enlighten the public on the true situation in national effort to guarantee national security, adding that media reports must focus on national unifying factors, emphasising the desired state of the Armed Forces aimed at safeguarding the public.
He commended organisers of the lecture for being the first of its kind on Crisis Communication.
