Eid-el-Fitri: IGP deploys choppers, officers to surveil soft targets in FCT

By Sam Ogbeifun

Muslim faithful massed at the various prayer grounds in Abuja to observe the Eid-el-Fitri amidst tight security as promised by the police and other security agencies.

Persecondnews recalls that the Department  of State Security Service (DSS) had in April placed the nation on red alert over alleged plans by terrorists to bomb or attack soft targets and other sensitive government’s facilities.

In what appear to be a proactive response to this threat, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, early hours on Monday ordered the deployment of police choppers to provide enhanced aerial surveillance and patrol to support the operational men on ground in the FCT.

The Police Chief in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also ordered the release of funds and needed logistics to facilitate the police operations.

The IGP urged Nigerians to remain calm, go about their lawful businesses and celebrations and render necessary help to officers and men on duty with motorized patrols.

“We are available to serve you, even, better at all times,” the police chief said.

Persecondnews correspondent who went round some parts of the FCT, reports that in fulfilment of the IGP’s promise, there was actual lock down in and out of the Muslim prayer grounds along the  10-lane airport road from the Moshood Abiola Stadium up to Dantata Bridge.

The visibility of police men was massive following the turnout of elite including the FCT Minister, Mallam Musa Bello who observed the early morning prayers at the venue.

Vehicles from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport were forced to take another route from the Dantata Bridge to the city centre.

After the prayers, attention shifted to the entertainment centres in and around the Abuja metropolis.

When PSN visited the Millennium Park, and Abuja Wonderland, few police officers from the FCT police command were seen keeping vigil ahead of some residents who may want to come and have some fun later in the day.

For now, Abuja is calm with few vehicular movements on the highways compared to the usual hustle and bustle of the city centre during week days.

At every strategic location along major streets, police patrol vehicles were stationed for swift response in the event of distress calls.

However, the  air surveillance by police choppers as promised by the Police Chief was not noticed as at the time of filing this report.