Usman Akali Baba, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has ordered that officers be deployed to religious centres and public spaces for the Easter celebration.

This was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi.

“All state commissioners of police and their supervising zonal assistant inspectors general of police have been ordered to ensure efficient deployment of police personnel and operational assets to areas of likely security threats within their respective areas of responsibility,” Mr Adejobi said.

Mr Baba also requested that all public areas, religious areas and government assets be properly inspected to ensure a peaceful celebration.

“The IGP equally charged all supervising officers that intensive and proactive visibility patrols should be carried out at all worship centers, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports, waterways, recreation centers, banks and other financial institutions.

“Necessary precautions should also be taken to ensure a crime-free and peaceful environment for religious, cultural and other socio-economic activities and boost the confidence of the general public,” the statement read in part.

He also added that “the IGP had directed that all officers and men deployed for these duties must be properly supervised to ensure professional and courteousness to law-abiding citizens but firm and ruthlessness to criminal elements who might want to take the advantage of the festival period to perpetrate their unholy and criminal acts.”