KADUNA WORKERS STRIKE: IGP Deploys Additional Police Operatives  , Assures Safety On Kaduna- Abuja Expressway

The Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Usman Alkali Baba,has ordered the deployment of additional Police operatives and crime prevention assets to ensure public safety and strengthen security along the Kaduna – Abuja expressway.

 

The IGP gave the directive as a proactive measure to protect communities and travelers in anticipation of increased traffic on Kaduna – Abuja expressway following the disruption of other means of transportation by industrial action in Kaduna State.

 

 

The IGP in a statement on Monday, noted that the deployment was designed to enhance police visibility, prevent and neutralize possible criminal activities targeted at citizens plying the road.

 

 

 

Consequently, the IGP has directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in Zonal and State Commands with jurisdictions straddling Kaduna – Abuja Highway and its environs to ensure no new threat to lives and property thrive within their Area of Responsibility (AoR) as a result of the industrial action.

 

Similarly, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau has been directed to immediately deploy covert operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) to prevent any untoward situation along the expressway.

 

 

 

While assuring citizens that the Force will continue to do all within its powers to promote public safety, the IGP  called on citizens, particularly communities, transporters and commuters along Kaduna – Abuja expressway, to cooperate with security operatives deployed to their areas.

 

The statement stressed that”Citizens are also enjoined to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or criminal activities in their localities to the Police.”

 

 

 

 

Recall that the Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed as false, the claims by the state government that the union had mobilised a mob to disrupt peace during the ongoing five-day warning strike called by the union.

 

A statement by the state NLC Chairman, Ayuba Suleiman, on Sunday, assured workers and the general public of their commitment to maintain peace during the strike action.

 

“It is not in the character of Labour to indulge in such uncivilised manner,” it stressed, adding that only politicians use thugs to advance their cause.

 

The union, therefore, alerted the general public to watch out for thugs it alleged were recruited by the Kaduna State government to disrupt the peace in order to blame the NLC.

 

“We are calling the attention of the general public to the alleged planned mobilisation of thugs by the State Government to discredit our peaceful protest of tomorrow.

 

“Hence, we advocate that the people of Kaduna State should be vigilant and stand against this plan.”