There are heightened security activities in Abuja
as security personnel started placing people coming in and going out of
the Federal Capital Territory under discreet surveillance as part of
the security arrangements for the Presidential Inauguration taking place
tomorrow.
State capitals, which are indicated as key security points, have also been placed under watch by policemen, State Security Service agents and other security personnel to ensure a hitch-free swearing-in of state governors on May 29, 2011.
Findings by our correspondent indicated that the borders had also been placed under security watch to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the country to execute any evil plot that might embarrass the nation.
A senior police source told SATURDAY PUNCH that state Commissioners of Police had been placed on red alert by the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim.
Each state command has been directed to have a stand-by unit for quick response to crisis.
“The security arrangement involves all the security agencies in the country, including the military. We have deployed enough men and materials, including bomb and anti-terrorist squads to man key points and facilities in the FCT. People coming into and going out of Abuja are being monitored; though we’re not engaging in stop and search to avoid embarrassing travellers, the surveillance of travellers is being done discreetly.
“All the state CPs have been placed on red alert, so we don’t envisage any problem. The vulnerable areas like Borno and Bauchi states are receiving special attention, but we don’t expect any threats. Boko Haram is not a threat, they can’t overrun the police because we represent the state,” the source said.
Our correspondent gathered that no vehicles would be allowed within 2km radius of the Eagle Square, venue of the inauguration ceremony for President Goodluck Jonathan.
In addition, constant aerial patrol by the military and police, which began on Wednesday, had been stepped up over the FCT as part of a total security cover for the event, which is expected to draw about 40 world leaders.
The top hotels in Abuja like the Transcorp Hilton, Nicon Luxury, Sheraton and others that were booked for accommodation of guests had been placed under heightened security watch as security personnel screened the vehicles and individuals going in and out of the facilities.
The FCT Police Command said it would deploy about 15,000 personnel for the event, while the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps planned to station 20,000 officers with 300 sniffer dogs in different parts of the city.
The NSCDC had on Wednesday conducted a show of force during which its men showcased their skills and abilities at combating criminal activities like vandalism and terrorist acts. The medical team, which recently received five additional ambulances, exhibited their readiness to handle medical emergencies and manage disasters during the ceremonies.
The kernel teams displayed the capabilities of their trained dogs, most of which could sniff out bombs and other incendiary devices, weapons and narcotics. The canines could also capture criminals on command, according to the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ade Abolurin.
He explained that his men were ready to ensure a smooth programme of events, and were collaborating with other security agencies.
He said, “We have put our disaster management teams in place and we’re working with other sister agencies to ensure a smooth ceremony. Our men have been deployed to protect public infrastructure throughout the country, working with other security personnel. We’re not taking any chances.”
Ordinary Nigerians may not have the opportunity of witnessing the ceremonies at the Eagle Square live because attendance is strictly by invitation to discourage a large turnout and over-crowding of the grounds, which have security implications for the guests.
But the Force Public Relations Officer, Olusola Amore, contended that the reason for the restriction of people was on account of space constraint. He added that the square could not accommodate the huge number of individuals that may want to attend the event.
“We’re not restricting attendance for security reasons; the fact is that the place is not large enough to accommodate everyone that may want to come. Besides, there is no way the ceremony can be an all- comers affair; even your birthday is by invitation, so why should we allow everyone to be at the inauguration?” he asked rhetorically.
The ceremony will start at 10 am at the Eagle Square.
By Adelani Adepegba, Abuja Courtesy Of: Punch
State capitals, which are indicated as key security points, have also been placed under watch by policemen, State Security Service agents and other security personnel to ensure a hitch-free swearing-in of state governors on May 29, 2011.
Findings by our correspondent indicated that the borders had also been placed under security watch to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the country to execute any evil plot that might embarrass the nation.
A senior police source told SATURDAY PUNCH that state Commissioners of Police had been placed on red alert by the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim.
Each state command has been directed to have a stand-by unit for quick response to crisis.
“The security arrangement involves all the security agencies in the country, including the military. We have deployed enough men and materials, including bomb and anti-terrorist squads to man key points and facilities in the FCT. People coming into and going out of Abuja are being monitored; though we’re not engaging in stop and search to avoid embarrassing travellers, the surveillance of travellers is being done discreetly.
“All the state CPs have been placed on red alert, so we don’t envisage any problem. The vulnerable areas like Borno and Bauchi states are receiving special attention, but we don’t expect any threats. Boko Haram is not a threat, they can’t overrun the police because we represent the state,” the source said.
Our correspondent gathered that no vehicles would be allowed within 2km radius of the Eagle Square, venue of the inauguration ceremony for President Goodluck Jonathan.
In addition, constant aerial patrol by the military and police, which began on Wednesday, had been stepped up over the FCT as part of a total security cover for the event, which is expected to draw about 40 world leaders.
The top hotels in Abuja like the Transcorp Hilton, Nicon Luxury, Sheraton and others that were booked for accommodation of guests had been placed under heightened security watch as security personnel screened the vehicles and individuals going in and out of the facilities.
The FCT Police Command said it would deploy about 15,000 personnel for the event, while the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps planned to station 20,000 officers with 300 sniffer dogs in different parts of the city.
The NSCDC had on Wednesday conducted a show of force during which its men showcased their skills and abilities at combating criminal activities like vandalism and terrorist acts. The medical team, which recently received five additional ambulances, exhibited their readiness to handle medical emergencies and manage disasters during the ceremonies.
The kernel teams displayed the capabilities of their trained dogs, most of which could sniff out bombs and other incendiary devices, weapons and narcotics. The canines could also capture criminals on command, according to the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ade Abolurin.
He explained that his men were ready to ensure a smooth programme of events, and were collaborating with other security agencies.
He said, “We have put our disaster management teams in place and we’re working with other sister agencies to ensure a smooth ceremony. Our men have been deployed to protect public infrastructure throughout the country, working with other security personnel. We’re not taking any chances.”
Ordinary Nigerians may not have the opportunity of witnessing the ceremonies at the Eagle Square live because attendance is strictly by invitation to discourage a large turnout and over-crowding of the grounds, which have security implications for the guests.
But the Force Public Relations Officer, Olusola Amore, contended that the reason for the restriction of people was on account of space constraint. He added that the square could not accommodate the huge number of individuals that may want to attend the event.
“We’re not restricting attendance for security reasons; the fact is that the place is not large enough to accommodate everyone that may want to come. Besides, there is no way the ceremony can be an all- comers affair; even your birthday is by invitation, so why should we allow everyone to be at the inauguration?” he asked rhetorically.
The ceremony will start at 10 am at the Eagle Square.
By Adelani Adepegba, Abuja Courtesy Of: Punch
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