Security Updates plan developed by the Nigerian Police Force and other Security Agencies for the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. The Inauguration is scheduled for Monday, May 29, 2023, at Eagles Square in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The Nigeria Police Force PRO, Olumuyi Adejobi, during the press brief, said since the conclusion of the 2023 general election and the announcement of the President-Elect, security has been on alert throughout the country.
We have formed specific plans for the inauguration ceremony as contained in the operation order, which will provide enhanced protection while allowing invited guests, well-meaning Nigerians and international communities to witness the laudable event.
Nigerian Police Force (NPF) will work hand-in-hand in collaboration with all levels of government, private sectors, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of all citizens; and have a laudable and seamless inauguration ceremony on May 29 2023.
The Security Updates – Plan and Deployment
NPF is mobilizing its operations to provide a comprehensive security arrangement. There are adequate personnel to protect the following areas: the Presidential Villa, security around the Eagles Square to man all Nigerian Borders, Sea Ports and Airports. There is deployment of others to man the entry and entry points of the FCT, Abuja, and other critical government installations.
Among these operatives, the Nigerian Police Force is drawn from the Nigerian Police Special Forces, Police Mobile Forced, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), and Anti-Bomb Unit (BOD). FIB Intelligence Response Team (IRT), FIB Special Tactical Squad (STS), and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau. Also, the Nigerian Police Medical Unit Personnel, Nigerian Police Mounted Troop, and K9 Personnel, amongst others, are also deployed for this assignment.
Nigerian Police Force has also deployed all the serviceable Helicopters and Highly Efficient Drones for area surveillance to give support in Abuja and its environs. All Nigerian Police Serviceable, Water Canon and Armoured Personnel Carriers will also be deployed to man strategic places. Police and other Security operatives will be located along routes to and from the inauguration ground. During the event, we will take rigorous safety measures on persons entering the venue, including screening and searches. We will take charge of traffic control in collaboration with the Protocol Sub-Committee of the Transition Committee to have a seamless traffic flow.
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Other Activties and Movement Restrictions
In line with the outlined activities to commemorate the inauguration ceremony, there will be Jumaat prayers on Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Central Mosque, Abuja. A Church Service will be at the Ecumenical Centre in Abuja on Sunday, May 28 2023. Firework Shows will be at about 20.01 hours on Monday, May 29 2023, at the City Gate, Abuja. Nigerians are on this note advised not to panic due to the fireworks show as there will be heavy band sound from the show.
In view of the above security updates, Nigerian Police Force hereby warns Nigerians who do not have any business around the vicinity during the ceremony to stay clear, as security measures are in place to ensure sanity and orderliness. Police wish to equally inform the general public that there will be a diversion in the following areas:
- Goodluck Jonathan Express by the Court of Appeal,
- Deeper Life Junction,
- Total Filling Station,
- POWA FCDA Junction,
- Finance Junction by ECOWAS,
- Women Affairs,
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
- Eagle Square Phase 1 and 2,
- Mohammed Way to National Mosque,
- Abia House,
- Nitel Junction by Ademola Adetokunbo,
- Gana Junction and Trancorp Hilton Hotel,
- Bayelsa House by Federal High Court,
- Aso Drive, Ceddi Plaza, NNPC Tower and NBS.
We, therefore, urge members of the public to cooperate with the Police for a seamless transition of Power. There are plans for cater for the inauguration ceremonies in all states. The Inspector General of Police has given a directive to Command and Commissioners of Police and other Security Agencies to carry out heavy deployment to fortify venues of inauguration ceremonies in their various states.
