The Police announced on Friday plans to deploy no fewer than 5, 9000 personnel to provide adequate security during the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), holding at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Jimoh Moshood, a total number of 5,000 police personnel comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), Police Mounted Troop, Dog Section (K9), Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), Police Air-wing and the Force Armament Unit have been deployed for the exercise.
The FPRO stated that the operation would be under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, adding that the deployment became necessary to ensure adequate security for all the accredited participants at the convention.
He stated that security coverage has been provided at all the accreditation centres.
According to him, “in addition, two Police Helicopters, Six Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) are already deployed for the security of the convention while Personnel of other security and safety agencies would also be deployed to complement the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring adequate security and a hitch-free convention.
He declared that only accredited delegates, accredited party officials bearing the APC clearance/identification tags would be allowed into the convention venue.
He added that Personnel of all Security and Safety agencies deployed for the security of the convention must also wear the certified identification tag conspicuously at the venue.
According to him, only one aide would be allowed to follow their principals into the venue of the convention.
He warned all unauthorised persons and groups who have no business with the convention to steer clear of the venue, vowing that the full weight of the law would be applied on any person or group of persons who try to disrupt the orderliness and conduct of the convention.
The FPRO declared that the security Personnel were under strict instruction to be civil, polite but strict and firm in the discharge of their duties during the convention.
He also disclosed that there would be a diversion of traffic from all the routes to the Eagle Square from Ahmadu Bello Way, Shehu Shagari Way and other Roads leading to the venue of the convention.
Accordingly, he advised Road users and other members of the Public to use alternative routes.
According to him,”the diversion of traffic will take effect from 2200Hrs of 22nd of June, 2018 till the end of the convention
“Any member of the public with complaint or observation on security issue can call the following numbers 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 for immediate response”