APC CONVENTION: Police, NSCDC, VIO deploy 7400 personnel

As the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) holds its national convention today (Saturday) at the Eagles Square in Abuja, no less than 7,400 security personnel have been deployed to provide security at the venue and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) alone has 5000 personnel deployed for the event while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the FCT Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) have 2,400 personnel deployed to ensure a hitch free convention.

Police announced in a statement issued by its spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood in Abuja on Friday that aside deploying 5000 personnel from various units, that it also sent out two helicopters and six Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC).

Moshood, who hinted that only one aide would be allowed entry to the venue with their principal, added that the Force would divert traffic from the venue from 10pm on Friday till the end of the convention.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has directed the implementation of a robust security arrangement to ensure a secured and hitch-free convention.

“A total 5,000 police personnel comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD), the Police Mounted Troop, The Dog Section (K9), the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), the Police Air-wing and the Force Armament Unit have been deployed under the supervision of the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations, to ensure adequate security for all the accredited participants at the convention.

“Security coverage has been provided also at all the accreditation centres. Two Police helicopters, Six Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) are already deployed for the security of the convention,” the Police had said in its statement.

Police then warned unauthorised individuals and groups who have no business with the convention to steer clear of the venue.

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“Road users and other members of the public are advised to use alternative routes. The diversion of traffic will take effect from 2200hrs of 22nd of June, 2018 till the end of the convention,” it said adding that members of the public with complaint or observation on security issue should call the following numbers: “08032003913, 08061581938, and 07057337653”.

The deployment of NSCDC personnel was announced by the its FCT Command, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr David Akinbinu, who hinted that 2,000 of its personnel were sent out to ensure the territory is properly secured during the convention.

The VIO were also deployed to ensure proper inspection and monitoring of vehicles during the event.

 

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