SALLAH: Red alert nationwide

ABUJA — The Nigerian Army, yesterday, placed all its formations across the country on red alert following terrorists’ threat to attack and bomb national assets including mosques during Sallah celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan in countries with sizeable Muslim adherents.

Similarly, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered water-tight security across the country to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration.

This came on a day facts emerged that recent attacks in parts of Borno State by the Islamic fundamentalist group, Boko Haram, have been linked to the safe haven the Republic of Cameroon provides its members.

Speaking in Abuja, yesterday, against the backdrop of threat by terrorists, Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru said: “To this end, the Nigerian Army will remain eternally vigilant with a view to reducing vulnerability through proactive preventive measures”.

Attahiru emphasized that the measures were also aimed at preventing the spread of terrorism to other parts of the country.

“These proactive measures have yielded results with the recent arrests in Lagos, and Ogun states of 42 suspected terrorists. I, therefore, wish to reassure Nigerians that the Army will continue to constantly review its strategies towards greater sophistication in tackling security challenges facing the country”, he said.

IG orders tight security

As part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration across the country, the Inspector-General of Police has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Command Commissioners of Police to ensure increased security surveillance, patrols and tactical Police presence on major highways, places of worship, recreation parks and other sensitive, strategic and vulnerable places within their areas of responsibility.

According to a statement signed by Force Spokesman, CSP Frank Mba, “Command CPs are further directed to adequately deploy their personnel to guarantee free-flow of traffic and safe passage for all travellers and other road users.

“Highway patrol teams, working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, are equally directed to take adequate measures in preventing road accidents and rendering assistance to travellers particularly those in distress”.

The statement added that “Muslim faithful across the country are, therefore, enjoined to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitri with the reassurance that the Police are working to guarantee an all-round security during the period of festivities and even thereafter.”

The security alert came against the global security concern over threats by Al-Qaeda in the Middle East and North Africa which has led to Western countries closing their foreign missions during the week.

The United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany have been on alert following intercepted intelligence reports of possible security breaches in the Middle East and North Africa. Nigeria’s security and intelligence community seem to be acting in concert with global security concerns this season.

[Credit:Vanguard news]