The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, on Wednesday, said that security agencies have tightened security measures at the venue of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) national convention.
Speaking at a press conference at the Force Headquarters yesterday, Mr Ringim also listed some guidelines that must be observed by all delegates to the convention. “No carrying of arms, ammunitions or hand grenade or any weapon by security aides of VIPs,” he said. The police boss said that a task force had been set up to ensure that no security personnel or orderly with arms or tear gas canister is allowed into the venue of the event. “Vehicles also will be barred at about two kilometres away from the venue,” he said. “This is to avoid any avoidable incident like accidental gun discharge or harassment or threat of any kind from security men.”
The police boss said all delegates would be screened at the various states liaison offices before being conveyed to the square where they would be seated according to their states. According to him, the Central Business Area of the FCT had been cordoned off and would remain under heavy security surveillance until the end of the convention. He apologized for the inconvenience which he said was necessary in view of the recent bomb blasts at the Mogadishu Military Barracks. “The public should be aware and be their brothers’ keepers; they should report any suspicious movement or bags,” he said.
Responding to questions on the frequent attacks by the Boko Haram Islamic radical group in Borno State, Mr Ringim said that suspected members that were arrested have been charged to court and were in prison custody. He also promised that adequate security measures would also be put in place nationwide during the April general elections, pledging that the police “will remain untainted” in the polls.