The Plateau State Police Command has intensified security operations across Jos ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign visit to the state on Saturday, deploying personnel to strategic locations and stepping up surveillance to prevent security breaches.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North Central Zone, DIG Isyaku Mohammad, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Jos, assuring residents that adequate measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful and hitch-free visit.
Mohammad, who is coordinating security arrangements for the visit, said the Police had conducted comprehensive security assessments of the airport, access roads and the campaign venue to identify and address potential threats.
He said both uniformed and plainclothes operatives had been deployed across the city, with increased patrols and stop-and-search operations to strengthen security.
According to him, the Police had also held strategic meetings with the Military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and other relevant agencies to ensure coordinated security operations.
The DIG announced that temporary traffic restrictions and diversions would be introduced along the route from the airport to the campaign venue, urging motorists and commercial transport operators to comply with directives from security personnel and use alternative routes to be communicated by the Police.
He warned that unauthorised vehicles would not be permitted to join the presidential convoy, while cautioning members of the public against obstructing roads, throwing objects or climbing vehicles and security barriers during the visit. Parents were equally advised to keep their children away from the convoy route.
Reaffirming the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force, Mohammad said the command would not tolerate political violence, thuggery, intimidation or the destruction of campaign materials.
He stressed that anyone found engaging in activities capable of disrupting public peace would be arrested and prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation.
The DIG also warned criminals against exploiting the large gathering to engage in pickpocketing, phone snatching and other offences, insisting that adequate security measures had been deployed to prevent criminal activities.
He further cautioned police personnel against extortion and other forms of misconduct, declaring that officers found violating professional standards would face disciplinary action.
Mohammad urged journalists to exercise professionalism in their coverage of the visit and refrain from circulating unverified reports capable of creating panic.
He assured residents that the Police Public Relations Officer would provide timely and verified information throughout the exercise.
The DIG expressed confidence that the presidential visit would be peaceful and successful, calling on residents to cooperate with security agencies and go about their lawful activities without fear.
