The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR,
NPM, mni, on behalf of the Police High Command, officers and men of the
Force, heartily felicitates with Christians in Nigeria as they join their
counterparts across the globe to joyfully celebrate this year’s Christmas.
While reminding Christians of the very significance of Christmas – the
holy birth of Jesus Christ; the IGP enjoins them to emulate and imbibe the
worthy virtues, principles and teachings of Christ, by being open minded to
issues of peace, forgiveness and harmonious co-existence, especially, at this
auspicious moment in the history of our country. He calls on all Nigerians to
appreciate and respect the persities of the nation, and leverage on same as a
source of strength and medium for national development.
Meanwhile, to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Christmas celebration the IGP
has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command Commissioners of Police to take
all necessary measures to ensure the provision of adequate security across the
country before, during and after the celebration. CPs are to personally, ensure
that key and vulnerable points including: shopping malls, motor parks,
financial houses, places of worship, recreation centres and other public places
are adequately and effectively protected, to enable holiday makers, worshippers
and the general public enjoy maximum fulfillment. In a similar vein, Zonal AIGs
and CPs have been directed to ensure the provision of 24hrs security around all
government installations, strategic facilities and other key targets.
In addition, Commanders of Police Highway Patrol Teams have been directed to
ensure that motorized patrols on our highways targeted at crime and accident
prevention, are intensified to ensure a safe, secure and peaceful celebration.
Police men deployed on our highways have also been directed to render necessary
assistance to travelers and road users, especially accident victims and those
who may suffer vehicular break down.
The IGP warns officers who will be deployed during the period, to ensure that
they comport themselves and act within the confines of the law. They must be
firm but polite, civil and professional in the discharge of their assigned
roles, giving due regard and respect to the fundamental human rights of
citizens at all times.
On the other hand, in the spirit of the season, the IGP expresses his gratitude
to Nigerians for their cooperation, patience and understanding all through
2012, particularly in the face of daunting national security challenges. He
sues for peace from all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, political and
socio-cultural leaning, expressing the belief that the country’s multifarious
challenges, including that of security, are surmountable with all hands on
deck.
The Police Chief equally uses this medium to pay tribute to all Officers and
men of the Nigeria Police Force, for their dedication, tireless courage and
selfless service to father-land and humanity. He restates his resolve and
commitment to reposition the Force, bargain for better welfare package and a
more humane and conducive working condition for Police personnel. He
commiserates with families of patriotic members of the Force who, like the
heroes they truly are, paid the supreme price in the out-going year, to ensure
that Nigerians enjoy peace and security.
Finally, the IGP seeks the prayers, support and understanding of Nigerians,
assuring that by God’s grace, the battle against crime and criminality will
eventually be won.