Tight Security In Abuja As Nigeria Celebrates 53rd Anniversary

Security was beefed up in and around the FCT with combined security operatives taking positions at strategic locations on Tuesday, as Nigeria celebrated its 53rd independence anniversary .

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored activities at the city centre on Tuesday, reports that the operatives were supported by police Amoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).

NAN also observed that armed military embarked on motorised patrol of the city areas as part of efforts to ensure the security of persons and property.

The Eagle Square, the venue where most important events like the independence anniversary were usually celebrated by government functionaries, was devoid of activities except some security personnel keeping guard.

At Nyanya, a satellite town in the FCT which borders Nasarawa state, a police ACP with armed personnel was deployed, while heavily armed soldiers were on guard at the Millennium Park in Maitama.

NAN also reports that a few holiday makers, who went to recreation centres for relaxation, were thoroughly frisked by the security personnel.

Traffic was light along some major roads in the city centre while motorists going into hotels, parks and shopping malls were stopped and subjected to thorough screening.

NAN further reports that the 'stop and check' caused heavy traffic in some parts of the city areas.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Altine Daniel, told NAN that the heavy presence of police in the territory was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar.

NAN recalls that the I.G. had, on Sunday, placed police on red alert to ensure a hitch-free Independence Day celebration nationwide.

Abubakar specifically directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of state commands and maritime to ensure adequate and effective deployment of manpower in their areas.

He asked them to pay special attention to shopping malls, parks, beaches, highways and other critical infrastructure and sensitive areas to guarantee the safety of citizens. (NAN)