Hyacinth Chinweuba/Richard Ginika Izuora
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has placed Police Commands and Formations nationwide on red alert.
This proactive measure follows Intelligence Report that sequel to the recent killing of an Iranian General; some domestic interests are planning to embark on massive public disturbances and sabotage.
The order contained via a circular with Ref. No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.2/86 Dated, 5th January, 2020, the Police said, “Consequently, Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police have been directed to ensure maximum surveillance and security of lives and property across the nation.”
Frank Mbah, Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement said, the Police Commanders have been directed to ensure strategic deployments of both overt and covert Police operatives to ensure adequate security and safety of citizens, foreigners especially diplomats and diplomatic missions domiciled in Nigeria as well as the protection of critical national assets.
Meanwhile, the IGP has assured all Nigerians and foreigners resident in Nigeria of adequate security. He has equally warned all potential troublemakers to steer clear of the streets and territory of Nigeria.
Oriental News Nigeria, reports that the tension in far-away Middle East has both national security and economic consequences for Nigeria in particular.
On national security, Iran has over the years, appointed itself the defender of all Shiites all over the world. Furthermore, it has invested heavily in supporting Shiite militias and movements across the world. This is in its effort to challenge Sunni Saudi Arabia for geopolitical influence.
The current regime in Iran supports Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza strip and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Equally important, it also supports the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, under the leadership of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
For instance, Hezbollah has been declared a terrorist organization by the US and others. But the European Union also banned the military wing, not the party. Also, Hamas which is a Sunni group enjoys support from Iran.
Further, Tehran is known to have been providing support for El-Zakzaky and his Shiite group.
Sheikh El-Zakzaky changed to Shia in the post 1979 Iran revolution. Consequently, the support of Tehran has been overtly and covertly.
Similarly, the continuous detention of El-Zakzaky and the killing of his children has garnered significant public sympathy; with some commentators predicting full blown radicalization of the group.
Many experts believe that with support from Iran, IMN could become another Hezbollah, if not properly managed.
Aside El-Zakzaky, Nigeria has witnessed senseless spill over of violence from events happening in other parts of the world.
The Danish cartoon riot of 2006 led to the death of 16 persons in Northern Nigeria.
In addition, the Miss World riot of 2002 caused untold crisis in the Northern part of the country.
Indeed, IMN has already issued a statement on its website condemning the killing of Soleimani.
A statement on the website reads in part; “The US killing of Soleimani is a “declaration of war” on Iran, which has now dangerously made the world on the edge of a very destructive war. For quite some time now, President Trump has been looking for ways to drag the Iranian nation to a senseless war.
‘‘However the US killers, God willing, will not be able to achieve any of their goals with this great crime.
”Rather, all of Hajj Qassem’s goals will be accomplished by the greatness of his soul and blood.
”This will be accomplished by his brothers, children, and students from resistance men and mujahideen from all the peoples of the world that reject humiliation and submission to the tyrants of this century.”
