The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to ensure a safe, peaceful and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebration.
The directive, issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja on December 22, 2025, is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and State Command Commissioners of Police to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and confidence-building engagements throughout the festive period.
“In line with the Force’s proactive security strategy, the Inspector-General of Police has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and community engagement during the Christmas and New Year celebrations,” Hundeyin said.
According to the statement, specialised police units have been placed on heightened operational readiness to support conventional policing duties nationwide.
“Specialised units including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police and the Airwing have been fully activated for the period,” the police spokesman disclosed.
Hundeyin explained that the deployment will focus on places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other high-density public locations.
“Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been deployed to inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder and accidents,” he added, noting that officers have been charged to remain firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.
The IGP also ordered all commands to sustain raids on identified black spots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
While wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the police leadership urged citizens to remain vigilant and celebrate responsibly.
“Members of the public are encouraged to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through available emergency lines,” Hundeyin said.
He assured Nigerians of the commitment of the Force to safeguarding lives and property throughout the festive season and beyond.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfastly devoted to ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy the Yuletide and the New Year in an atmosphere of peace, safety and security,” the statement concluded.
