The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force is closely monitoring Islamic groups with allegiance to Middle Eastern countries following the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict.
The IGP stated this on Wednesday shortly after he took the oath of office at the Council Chambers, State House, Abuja, warning that developments in the Middle East could trigger repercussions in Nigeria.
“Everywhere in the world, we are aware that this is what we call intelligence policing.
“Our ears are to the ground. We know we have groups of people, different kinds of Islamic sects in Nigeria.
“We have those who pay allegiance to this eastern part of the world as well,” Disu stated.
He added, “So we know if anything happens in the eastern part of the world, the repercussion will come to us.
“So we are putting all necessary actions. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take the law into their own hands.”
The IGP’s statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets over the weekend and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli and American military installations.
The escalating conflict has raised fears of wider regional warfare, with several countries, including China, the United Kingdom, and the United States, advising their citizens to leave Iran and avoid travel to the Middle East.
Nigeria is home to significant Islamic groups with ideological and sometimes organisational ties to Middle Eastern countries, particularly Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is known for its pro-Iranian stance and Shia Islamic orientation, while several Sunni groups maintain connections with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.
Historically, major conflicts in the Middle East have triggered protests and demonstrations in Nigeria, particularly in northern states with large Muslim populations.
During previous Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, including the Gaza wars of 2008-2009, 2014, and 2021, as well as the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023, thousands of Nigerians took to the streets in cities including Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Abuja, and Lagos to protest against Israeli actions.
In some instances, protests turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and security forces, destruction of property, and injuries to participants.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, in particular, has organised several pro-Palestinian and pro-Iranian demonstrations over the years, some of which resulted in confrontations with security agencies.
Disu said the police are taking proactive measures to prevent violent protests or attacks that could be inspired by the Middle East crisis.
“You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take the law into their own hands,” the IGP stated.
Disu also disclosed that he has constituted a committee to develop the Nigeria Police Force’s position on the proposed establishment of State Police.
“The committee was set up early this morning to look into the issue of State Police from the angle of the Nigeria Police.
“We don’t want it to seem as if others are making decisions, and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything.
“We want to ensure that the best thing is done,” the IGP stated.
He emphasised that the police are not opposed to State Police, describing it as a partnership rather than a threat to the Force.
“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed.
“The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership,” Disu said.
On officers’ welfare, the new IGP pledged to prioritise motivation, noting that the job is dangerous and demanding.
“As I mentioned earlier, it is somebody who is well motivated who will put in their best.
“Our jobs are very difficult. A few years ago, when I was the Commissioner of Police, FCT, I was bold enough to announce that we lost 140 policemen in just a year.
“So the jobs are difficult. Men sleep out. A lot of people don’t have time to go back to their families. So welfare is very, very vital,” Disu stated.
He added, “I’m lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us whatever we want.”
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President Tinubu has repeatedly called for constitutional amendments to establish State Police with safeguards against abuse, describing security challenges as requiring localised solutions.