The Nigerian Police on
Wednesday announced a ban on
gatherings, receptions and carnivals at
the nation’s airports, saying the
facilities were exclusive security zones.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that
the announcement is contained in a
statement issued in Abuja by the Force
Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba.
The statement said the ban was part of
efforts to avert any security breach and
to protect critical infrastructure,
travellers, aircrew, airport staff and
personnel at the airports.
It said the ban had been placed on
political, socio-cultural or religious
gathering within and around airport
premises, including tarmacs, lounges and
other sensitive security points.
It read in part: “Rising from a strategic
security meeting at the Force
Headquarters, the police authorities
directed the Airport Commissioners of
Police in states hosting the airports to
ensure strict adherence to the directive.
“In line with international best practices,
firm security measures are taken to
safeguard the airports and their critical
infrastructure.
“And to prevent a situation where the
airports are turned into places of political
assemblies, religious worship and other
social receptions, ‘’ the statement said.
According to the statement, there are
enough civic centres, town halls, assembly
halls for public meetings, carnivals and
celebrations of all kinds.
The statement said the force was not
unaware of the constitutional rights of
Nigerians to freedom of movement and
assembly, but not to affect the security of
the nation.
It said that the police believed that the
enjoyment of these rights must be situated
within the bounds of the law and
appropriate civil behaviour.
The force implored Nigerians to
cooperate with the police in their effort
to improve the maintenance of effective
safety and security at all the airports.
It called on Nigerians, political and opinion
leaders, to assist the police in their
education and enlightenment drives.
“We expect you to help us talk to your
fans, admirers, supporters and followers on
the need to abide by the rules; failure to
comply will attract appropriate legal
sanctions,” it stated.
It added that the IG, Mohammed
Abubakar, reiterated his
administration’s commitment to eliminate
all forms of threat to internal security.
It also said that the IG pledged a safe
and environment conducive for the
nation’s democracy and democratic
institutions to thrive.
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