Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu yesterday placed Police commands and formations nationwide on the red alert.
He said the measure was taken after intelligence report showed that “some domestic interests were planning to embark on massive public disturbances and sabotage.”
The move came in reaction to the recent killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the United States of America (USA).
“Consequently, zonal AIGs and command commissioners of police have been directed to ensure maximum surveillance and security of life and property across the nation.
“The police commanders have been directed to ensure strategic deployments of both overt and covert police operatives, to ensure adequate security and safety of citizens, foreigners especially diplomats and diplomatic missions domiciled in Nigeria as well the protection of critical national assets,” he said.
The IGP assured Nigerians and foreigners resident in the country of adequate security and “warned all troublemakers to steer clear of the streets and territory of Nigeria.”
Besides, the Global Action for Peace (GAP) has alerted the USA and Britain to the safety of its citizens in Nigeria following threats of attack by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).
The Islamic sect had hinted of an impending attack on foreigners after a military action by the United States of America led to the death of top Iranian military commander, General Qassem Soliemani in Iran.
Speaking at a media briefing yesterday in Abuja, the GAP revealed that the threat issued by the IMN to citizens of the U.S. and the United Kingdom (UK) in Nigeria was an “affront on our collective sensibilities as Nigerians, which must be looked into by the security agencies.”