IG Orders Heightened Surveillance in Northern Nigeria Over Iran–US/Israel Tensions

By BANNERNEWS Reporter
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun Disu, has directed the 37 Commissioners of Police across Nigeria to intensify security surveillance, particularly in the North Central, North East and North West zones, amid escalating tensions arising from the ongoing Iran–United States–Israel conflict.
The police chief urged state commands to strengthen intelligence gathering and adopt proactive policing measures to prevent any spillover effects capable of threatening national security.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP charged Commissioners of Police to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders as part of efforts to sustain peace across the country.
The directive followed a peaceful demonstration by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, who staged protests to mourn the reported death of an Iranian leader.
Disu further instructed senior police officers to enhance visibility policing around worship centres, public institutions and other sensitive locations, while responding swiftly to any attempt by individuals or groups seeking to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.
According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force remains fully alert to the potential domestic implications of evolving geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“The Inspector-General of Police reassures all Nigerians of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of lives, property and national peace in light of emerging global security concerns,” the statement read.
It added that although Nigeria remains stable with its internal security situation under control, intelligence-led policing strategies have been reinforced nationwide as a precautionary measure.
The police hierarchy also warned that Nigeria would not be allowed to become a theatre for foreign ideological or religious conflicts, stressing that any attempt to import external tensions into the country would be met with the full weight of the law.
The IGP called on community leaders and citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while urging Nigerians to report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation as part of collective efforts to maintain national security.