Security agencies have attributed the increased deployment of personnel and the erection of barricades across parts of Abuja to a surge in protests within the Federal Capital Territory, assuring residents that there is no immediate security threat.
Speaking during a joint media briefing on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, said the operation was a coordinated effort by security agencies to maintain law and order and ensure public safety.
He explained that the heightened security presence followed an increase in protest activities in the city centre, stressing that the deployment was routine and should not cause panic.
According to Iniedu, Abuja’s status as Nigeria’s capital, home to diplomatic missions, key government institutions and foreign investors, makes it necessary for security agencies to maintain a visible presence to inspire public confidence and safeguard critical infrastructure.
He also disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force has expanded its security approach from intelligence-led policing to intelligence-led community collaborative policing, aimed at strengthening partnerships with local communities to tackle emerging security challenges.
Also speaking, Kingsley Amako of the National Coordination Office of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit said security agencies had enhanced intelligence gathering and financial surveillance to counter terrorism financing and other evolving security threats.
He added that while some operations could not be made public for security reasons, agencies were working closely together to protect lives and property, urging the media to seek official clarification whenever necessary.
