The Federal Government has tightened security across the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the swearing-in of the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as the 16th President of Nigeria at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Monday, May 29, 2023.

Top security sources told our correspondents that security agencies had started raiding hideouts of criminals and thugs who could be used to foment trouble on the inauguration day.

Against the backdrop of protests by some Nigerians dissatisfied with the election victory of the former Lagos State governor, security agencies have deployed plainclothes and intelligence operatives to contain any outbreak of violence on the day of the inauguration.

With less than a week to D-Day, law enforcement agencies have been placed on red alert as they heightened security in preparation for the event which is expected to attract no fewer than 65 Heads of State, diplomats, other representatives of foreign governments and heads of international organizations and prominent Nigerians.

It was gathered on Tuesday that security agencies including the elite Presidential Guards Brigade, the police, Department of State Services operatives and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps had been given strict orders about their responsibilities in terms of general security, and protection of dignitaries.

It was gathered that more undercover and intelligence operatives had been dispatched to different parts of the city, including dark and vulnerable spots to ensure hitch-free activities.

A security source stated, “We have been carrying out confidence-building and visibility patrols. By Friday, Eagle Square would be shut down. Because of the influx of people in Abuja, we have been combing and monitoring areas, including drinking joints and clubs.

“We do 24-hour patrols now. We have more men in plain clothes on duty. The security agencies are also raiding black points and any suspects found there will be arrested and cautioned.”

A senior officer disclosed that the ongoing operation was an inter-agency security collaboration to ensure that the inauguration recorded no incident.

“We have been ordered to ensure that security around Abuja is tight. We would be doing this alongside other security agencies. Some of us have been stationed at key points of entry into the FCT.

“Others would be in charge of traffic control and ensure there is no movement of vehicles in the restricted areas. You would soon be seeing patrol vehicles more often now.”

When contacted on the security preparation for the inauguration, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, referred to a recent warning by the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, against aggrieved political actors and other individuals attempting to scuttle the swearing-in ceremony.

The IG gave the warning on May 15, during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.

The warning followed alleged utterances of some political actors and their alleged attempts at inciting the public to protest and cause national tension ahead of the May 29 inauguration ceremony.

The IG noted that adequate personnel and equipment had been deployed by the police for the activities leading to the ceremony, and also the D-Day. (Adapted from a report by The PUNCH)

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