Yuletide: IG orders nationwide deployment to tackle festive season crime

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate deployment of personnel to strategic locations, and key areas, and identified hotspots across the country to curb traffic and highway robberies, as well as other criminal activities.

The initiative aims to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property during the festive season.

“The IGP has directed the immediate deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations, key areas, and identified hotspots across all states. This initiative is aimed at curbing traffic, highway robberies, and other criminal activities during this period of increased mobility, public gatherings, and celebrations,” read a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday via the Nigeria Police Force’s official X handle.

The statement emphasised that while the IG remains committed to “ensuring public safety,” the police have made significant progress in combating criminal activities.

“Security operatives will be positioned to deter crimes through increased police presence and visibility on major highways and roads prone to criminal activities, particularly highway robberies, which tend to spike during festive seasons,” the statement partly read.

Adejobi highlighted recent successes, noting that on December 10, 2024, police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command arrested four suspected robbers—Akeem Alabi, Adewale Sogbesan, Emmanuel Izeagbe, and Francis Okoko. The suspects confessed to being part of a robbery syndicate operating around the Costain area in Lagos State.

Similarly, on December 6, 2024, police operatives in Anambra State arrested a suspected armed robber, Miracle Mwakaloi, in Awka. A search of his apartment led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles.

The FPRO affirmed that the NPF remains “committed to providing a safe environment during and beyond the Yuletide season,” assuring Nigerians that the festive period will be celebrated without the threat of crime.

Adejobi urged members of the public to cooperate with police officers and encouraged vigilance.

“The IGP further encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities to the police and other law enforcement agencies,” he added.