Police Deploy Force in Nasarawa Ahead of Campaigns

Police in Nasarawa State have started a show of force across the state, beginning with the Southern Senatorial District, ahead of the August 19 political campaigns.

And as part of this exercise, security personnel will be deployed to strategic locations and entry points to prevent the movement of criminal elements and prohibited items. Intensive stop-and-search operations will also be conducted to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.

The Police Command in Nasarawa State, led by Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, who was appointed in 2019 and has been leading the enforcement of law and order in the state since then, assured residents that the heavy presence of security operatives is intended to enhance security.

The operation is not targeted at any individual, group, political party or organisation, yet some residents still express fear about the sudden deployment of security.

CP Mohammed urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and cooperate with security personnel throughout the exercise. He also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities.

Residents in Lafia and other strategic locations already feel a significant change in the security environment, but some are skeptical about the real intentions behind the deployment.

The operation is expected to move to the Northern and Western Senatorial Districts, following the initial deployment in the Southern Senatorial District.

The show of force follows reports of security concerns in some areas of Nasarawa State, prompting the Police Command to take proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.

In a statement, the Police Command described the exercise as a “proactive security measure designed solely to safeguard lives and property, maintain public order, and ensure a peaceful and secure environment.”

The operation is being closely monitored by residents, with many waiting to see the actual impact of the show of force on the security environment.

CP Mohammed is a seasoned police officer with years of experience in law enforcement. He has led several high-profile operations in the state before taking up the position of Commissioner of Police in 2019. Prior to this appointment, Mohammed served in various capacities in the Police Force, including as the Area Commander, Lafia, where he was instrumental in maintaining law and order in the area.

The deployment of security forces ahead of the elections has sparked heated debates among residents, with some calling for more security while others express concern about the potential impact on their livelihoods.

The operation is expected to last for several days, as security personnel continue to maintain a high level of presence across the state.

In a related development, the Police Command has assured residents that the measures are being implemented to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all, without any intention of targeting any individual or group.

CP Mohammed has repeatedly stated that the operation is not targeted at any political party or organisation, yet some residents still express fear about the sudden deployment of security.

The operation is closely monitored by residents, with many waiting to see the actual impact of the show of force on the security environment.

The operation is expected to be a long-term solution to the security concerns in the state, and the Police Command is working closely with residents to ensure that the exercise is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.