Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered Commissioners of Police, CPs, and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, AIGs, to beef up security nationwide throughout the Christmas and new year celebrations.

Idris wanted the CPs and AIGs to be on ground to ensure safety of lives and property of Nigerians during and after the period.

He said they were to ensure the implementation of robust and elaborate security arrangement to ensure the security of all political parties in the ongoing political rallies and campaigns across the country.

Idris advised political parties to abide by the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and INEC Guidelines, and play the game according to the rules, saying there would be intensive raid of identified criminal hideouts, black spots and flash points across the country.

He said Commanders of Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) should ensure deployment of officers to flash points and crisis spots in the various commands across the country.

According to him, police officers were mandated to be polite, civil but strict in ensuring security and safety of travellers and other road users throughout the country, saying the motor traffic divisions of the force in every state are to ensure free flow of traffic on highways and major roads in the country.

Idris also directed CPs and AIGs to ensure that no roadblock was mounted anywhere in the country, including those by revenue agencies, saying the force would also not condone hate speeches, indecent and criminal defamatory conducts from any individual(s) or group(s).

He said the force would continue to be neutral and ensure level playing ground in terms of security, imploring parents and guidance, traditional/religious leaders, public office holders to monitor their children, wards, subjects to be law abiding.