The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered heightened security nationwide as tensions escalate in the Middle East following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Under the directive, Commissioners of Police, particularly in the North West, North East and North Central zones, have been placed on red alert and instructed to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering to forestall any spillover effects that could threaten Nigeria’s internal security.

The police leadership also directed commands to strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, boost visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, and respond swiftly to any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tensions.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Acting ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, who reassured Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives, property and national peace.

According to the statement, while Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation under control, the Force has reinforced proactive, intelligence-led policing measures across the country.

“The Ag. IGP has directed all Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with particular focus on 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 to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension,” the statement said.

It stressed that Nigeria would not become a staging ground for foreign conflicts, warning that any attempt to import external ideological or religious crises into the country would be met with the full weight of the law.

The Acting IGP also appealed to community leaders across the country to continue promoting peace, while urging citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, prepared and fully committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and maintaining national security at all times,” the statement added.