Blank NEWS Online can authoritatively reveal that the Federal Government of Nigeria has authorized the massive deployments of troops to various flashpoint areas across the country to contain violence during the on-going Easter festivities.
The move is sequel to intelligence reports which say that Muslim terrorists had planned to attack Christian places of worship and festivities during the Easter, just as dependable Presidency sources revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan, had urged security agencies in the country to expend their intelligence and equipment to make sure of a peaceful Easter celebration.
Our sources disclosed that the deployments are under the direct supervision of the Army General Officers Commanding (GOC’s), Air Officers Commanding (AOC’s) and Naval Flag Officers Commanding (FOC’s). Others are Corp Commanders from the Infantry, Artillery, Armoured and Signal Corps.
The move followed an emergency security meeting held between the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, including GOCs and Corp Commanders at the Ministry of Defense.
Reports however confirmed that both military and police security patrols and checks have been beefed up at flashpoint areas in major cities across the country.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar have also directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and state Commissioners of Police (CPs) to give necessary security for worshipers, travelers, picnickers across the country before, during and after the Easter festivities.
The directive from the IGP includes protecting places of worship, recreation centres, motor parks, highways, financial institutions and all places of public resort.
The Nigeria Police Spokesman, CSP Frank Mba, in a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online said, “The IGP uses this medium to express the willingness, determination and commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to effectively discharge its onerous responsibility of securing the life and property of the citizenry, in line with the provisions of the country’s constitution and all extant statutes. He seeks the prayers and support of all Nigerians, assuring that with God on the side of the nation, Nigeria will surely rise above all its present challenges.
