Middle East tensions: Acting IG orders security around worship centres, public spaces

The Nigeria Police Force has reassured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to maintaining security and public order in light of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

While Nigeria remains stable, the Force said it has intensified intelligence-led policing across the country to prevent any attempt to exploit global developments for unrest.

The assurance was conveyed in a statement issued via X on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin.

Hundeyin said Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, directed all Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to work with traditional and religious leaders, in strengning security around worship centres and public spaces.

The statement read, “The Ag. IGP has directed all Commissioners of Police in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, with particular attention to the North West, North East, and North Central zones, to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.

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“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law.

“IGP Disu calls on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urges citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.”

The Force assured that it remains resolute, prepared, and fully committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and maintaining national security at all times.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the statement follows joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran late February 28, 2026, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.

The strikes triggered Iran’s large-scale counterattacks starting Saturday.

Explosions rocked key locations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and other Gulf nations hosting American bases.

Reports indicate civilian casualties, flight cancellations, airport closures, and damage to infrastructure in densely populated areas.

On Saturday, the Nigerian government issued travel advisories for citizens in Iran and Gulf countries, urging maximum caution amid the hostilities.

The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has separately called for de-escalation and restraint by all parties involved.