Acting Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has directed commissioners of police across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that any attempt to import foreign ideological or religious conflict into Nigeria would be met with the full force of the law.
The directive, announced on Sunday by the force spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, places particular emphasis on the north-west, north-east, and north-central zones. Commissioners have been instructed to deepen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, increase police visibility around worship centres and public spaces, and move swiftly against any individuals or groups seeking to exploit global developments to stoke sectarian tension domestically.
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“Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts,” the police statement read.
Disu said Nigeria’s internal security situation remained firmly under control and sought to reassure citizens that the measures were precautionary rather than reactive. He called on community leaders to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and urged the public to stay calm, remain vigilant, and report suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.
