In continuation of the raid on dark spots and suspected meeting points of criminal elements and places where intelligence showed terrorists may be hibernating, the 400-man joint security team set up under the supervision of the FCT Police Command, yesterday, arrested another 146 terror suspects in Abuja.

It was gathered that the suspects were nabbed at different dark spots, including the notorious Apo-Pantaker axis, and some inner outlets where hundreds of suspected escapees of criminal activities from the North East and other parts of the country were converging and holding meetings to plan criminal attacks.

To buttress the seriousness with which government was taking the new threats of bombings, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris, on Friday, ordered the deployments of three units of Mobile Police Officers from the states bordering Abuja and Force Headquarters to work with the special joint security team working to ward off the terrorists attack in the last three weeks.

On the part of the FCT Police Command, it was gathered that the Police Commissioner, CP Sadiq Abubakar Bello, directed the entire 16,000 police officers in the command to remain on duty for 24 hours until the yuletide season was over. In this regard, a reliable source said that all eateries, gardens, recreation parks, markets, relaxation spots have been placed under surveillance on a 24 hours basis. While noting the operational order approved for ‘snap stop and search’ checking which is meant to take suspicious elements by surprise, the source hammered on the need for residents to be vigilant and pass information immediately to security agencies.

In a related development, the police would beef up security throughout the nation at Christmas. IGP Idris disclosed this during his end of the year meeting with top police officers. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Moshood, yesterday, said: “The IGP further re-emphasised same directives to all Commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS).

“In addition, Special Forces and specialised units of the Force, including Special Tactical Squad, Special Protection Unit, Border Patrol and Explosive Ordinance Department have been adequately mobilised and deployed along with the conventional Policemen throughout the country to beef up security in their Area of Responsibilities (AOR).

“Police Federal Highway Patrol Teams, Safer Highway and Divisional Patrol Teams have been mandated and are under strict instruction to be polite, civil but strict in ensuring security and safety of travellers and other road users on all the highways and major roads throughout the country.

“The IGP has equally directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police and Commissioners of Police to ensure that no roadblock is mounted anywhere in the country but to put in place visibility police patrol teams and crime prevention squads in their Area of Responsibilities (AOR) throughout the country to ensure safety and free passage for all travellers nationwide.

“The IGP further directed that all Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in all Zonal and State Commands and their personnel throughout the country to be on red alert and supervise their personnel to observe International Best Practices in carrying out their duties Nationwide.

“The personnel of the force will be on 24-hours round-the-clock surveillance and robust vehicular patrols throughout the Yuletide and the New Year.

“Particular attention and adequate police deployment will also be carried out on places of worship and venues of celebration including strategic public places, recreation centers, shopping malls, business plazas, motor parks, Government installations and other important locations so as to forestall any criminal activity and guarantee the safety of the citizenry.”

•Adapted from a Sunday Vanguard report.

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