The police command in Akwa Ibom says it has strengthened security across the state ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Friday.

The commissioner of police, Baba Azare, disclosed this at a news conference in Uyo on Thursday.

Mr Azare said that the command was collaborating with other security agencies to put comprehensive security arrangements in place during the visit.

“This is to prevent criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents and visitors,” he said.

It would be recalled that Mr Tinubu is scheduled to visit Akwa Ibom to inaugurate projects and hold a town hall meeting with political stakeholders.

The police chief said that robust security measures would be in place to check any form of criminality during the visit.

“We don’t anticipate any problem, but we are prepared to deal decisively with any eventuality during the visit of the president,” he said.

Mr Azare disclosed that some roads would be temporarily restricted to members of the public to facilitate the smooth movement of the president’s motorcade.

He urged residents and motorists to use alternative routes and cooperate with security personnel during the visit.

Mr Azare said that the traffic and security restrictions were strictly for public safety and operational convenience, saying, “They are not intended to intimidate or inconvenience residents.”

He said that display of fireworks and use of drone cameras remained banned during the period.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring a peaceful and successful presidential visit.

(NAN)