IGP rolls out nationwide emergency numbers over security alerts

Days after the United States Embassy in Nigeria raised an alarm over plots by terrorists to attack the nation’s capital, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, on Thursday released emergency numbers nationwide to avert any form of security breach.

A number of other foreign nations including the United Kingdom have given similar security alerts to their nationals in Nigeria, urging them to watch their movements.

Reacting to the alerts, Baba said the Nigeria Police Force was working in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensure the safety of all residents within the country.

The IGP also insisted that there was no imminent or impending attack on the nation’s capital as raised by the United States.

The IGP stated this while asking all Strategic Police Managers in charge of Commands and tactical formations within the country to beef up security in their respective jurisdictions, especially in the FCT.

According to a statement by the force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP similarly directed that all emergency numbers across the country should be activated to full capacity for a 24/7 prompt response.

Adejobi said the police also ordered that the combatant officers and men should be on standby to respond in case of emergency situations and distress calls.

The statement said, “Residents within the FCT are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or abnormal occurrence and persons to the Police through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.”

The IGP allayed the fear of residents in the FCT and urged them to go about their lawful business and normal social lives/engagements, saying all hands were on deck to nip any security threat in the bud and respond to distress calls promptly.

Baba reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria police to eliminating all threats, as well as protection of lives and property of all residents of the country.