Police begin 24-hour patrol in Plateau: Lent, Ramadan

The Plateau State Police Command has intensified security measures across the state with the launch of a 24-hour surveillance and patrol operation covering all 17 local government areas to ensure peaceful observance of the Christian Lenten season and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The directive was issued by the state Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, in a statement released through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo. According to the police, the initiative is aimed at strengthening public safety and preventing criminal elements from exploiting the religious periods, which typically attract increased movement and public gatherings.

As part of the strategy, the police chief ordered the immediate deployment of personnel and operational logistics to strategic locations, flashpoints, and other vulnerable areas across the state. Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical units were specifically tasked with ensuring heightened visibility policing and rapid response capability in their jurisdictions.

The command also directed the State Intelligence Department to intensify intelligence gathering and closely monitor movements of persons and vehicles entering and leaving Plateau State. Security presence has equally been reinforced at border communities and exit routes to forestall infiltration by criminal elements and prevent any breakdown of law and order during the concurrent religious observances.

While briefing officers, Ewah stressed the need for proactive and sustained patrols, noting that effective policing during festive periods serves as a deterrent to opportunistic crimes. He further urged personnel to maintain professionalism, discipline, and respect for citizens’ rights in the discharge of their duties, warning against misconduct capable of eroding public trust.

The police command appealed to residents, community leaders, religious organisations, and transport operators to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities, emphasizing that community participation remains essential to sustaining peace across the state.

The statement reads that “This is aimed at boosting visible policing, discouraging criminal elements from taking advantage of the festive periods, and maintaining law and order across communities.

CP Ewah also ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical team leaders to swiftly deploy officers and equipment to key flashpoints, vulnerable spots, and strategic locations.

The State Intelligence Department has equally been tasked with stepping up intelligence collection, ensuring quick response readiness, and closely watching movements of people and vehicles in and out of the state.

To prevent possible infiltration by criminals through unguarded borders, special deployments have been made at major exit points and border communities.

While addressing senior officers, the CP highlighted the need for sustained and proactive patrols to ward off opportunistic crimes that often spike during religious celebrations.

He charged personnel to exhibit utmost professionalism, discipline, and respect for citizens’ rights in all interactions.

CP Ewah strongly cautioned against any acts of misconduct that could damage public trust in the police.