Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has charged commissioners of police across the country to intensify surveillance to preempt groups or individuals who may want to capitalise on ongoing global tensions between the U.S. and Israel and Iran to incite religious unrest in the country.

In a statement by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin on Sunday, the police czar reaffirmed the Nigeria police’s commitment to protecting lives and properties “in light of evolving geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and their potential global implications.”

“The Ag. IGP has directed all commissioners of police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with particular attention to the North-West, North-East, and North-Central zones, to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension,” the statement said.

The statement said the police have reinforced proactive, intelligence-led policing measures across the country, as Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation firmly under control.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law,” the statement said.

It added, “IGP Disu calls on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urges citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.”

On Saturday, the U.S. and Israel launched a coordinated attack on Iran, killing the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and scores of his regime officials.

In retaliation, Iran has fired several ballistic missiles targeted at U.S. bases in countries in the Gulf region, causing some damage to public facilities and infrastructure.