The Plateau State Police Command said it has deployed adequate security personnel across Jos and intensified surveillance ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign visit to the state on Saturday.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North Central Zone, DIG Isyaku Mohammad, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Jos, assuring residents that comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place to ensure a peaceful visit.
DIG Mohammad, who is coordinating security operations for the presidential visit, said the Police had conducted security assessments covering the airport, routes to the campaign venue and the venue itself.
He added that uniformed and plainclothes officers had been deployed, while patrols and stop-and-search operations had been intensified across the city.
He revealed that the Police had also held coordination meetings with the Military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies to ensure effective collaboration.
The DIG announced that there would be temporary traffic diversions along the route from the airport to the campaign venue, urging motorists and commercial drivers to cooperate with security personnel and use alternative routes to be announced by the Police.
He warned that unauthorised vehicles would not be allowed to join the presidential convoy, while cautioning residents against blocking roads, throwing objects or climbing vehicles and security barriers. Parents were also advised to keep their children away from the convoy route.
Reaffirming the neutrality of the Police, DIG Mohammad said the Force would not tolerate thuggery, violence, intimidation or destruction of campaign materials, warning that anyone found disrupting the peace, irrespective of political affiliation, would be arrested and prosecuted.
He specifically warned criminal elements against taking advantage of the anticipated crowd to engage in pickpocketing, phone snatching and other unlawful activities, insisting that Plateau State would not be a haven for criminals during the visit.
The DIG also cautioned police officers against extortion, stressing that the Force had zero tolerance for such misconduct and that any officer found engaging in it would face disciplinary action.
He appealed to journalists to report responsibly and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic, assuring residents that the Police Public Relations Officer would provide verified updates throughout the presidential visit.
DIG Mohammad expressed confidence that the visit would be peaceful and successful, urging residents to cooperate with security agencies and continue with their lawful activities without fear.
