TheCable

Usman Baba, acting inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the deployment of additional operatives to ensure public safety on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway.

Frank Mba, police spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said the deployment followed the disruption of other means of transportation in the state, as a result of the five-day warning strike embarked upon by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The acting IGP explained that the directive is a proactive measure to protect commuters and travellers in anticipation of increased traffic on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway.

He added that the idea is to enhance police visibility, and prevent possible criminal activities targeted at citizens plying the road.

Baba also directed the assistant inspector-generals of police (AIGs) and commissioners of police (CPs) in zonal and state commands with jurisdictions straddling Kaduna-Abuja highway to ensure improved security.

“The AIGs and CPs are to ensure that no new threat to lives and property thrive within your Area of Responsibility as a result of the industrial action,” he said.

Baba said the AIGs in charge of the force intelligence bureau have been directed to immediately deploy covert operatives from the intelligence response team and the special tactical squad.

He called on citizens, particularly transporters and commuters on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, to cooperate with security operatives deployed to their areas.

The IGP also urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or criminal activities in their localities to the police.