The Nigeria Police Force has launched a nationwide security operation to prevent domestic unrest following a major military escalation in the Middle East. Acting Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu directed all state commands on Sunday to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering to safeguard national peace.
The directive follows joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran on February 28, 2026. Fearing that global geopolitical friction could incite local sectarian tension, the police leadership has ordered a significant increase in visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Particular focus has been placed on the North West, North East, and North Central zones, where commissioners have been told to strengthen ties with traditional and religious leaders. The Force warned that it will not allow Nigeria to become a "theatre for foreign conflicts" or a landing ground for imported ideological disputes.
"Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law," stated Force Public Relations Officer ACP Benjamin Hundeyin in an official communique. He emphasised that while internal security remains firmly under control, the proactive measures are necessary to preempt groups seeking to exploit global developments.
IGP Disu, who was recently decorated by President Bola Tinubu, has made intelligence-led policing a cornerstone of his new administration. He urged citizens to remain calm and law-abiding while reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.
The Federal Government had earlier issued a safety advisory through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Nigerians residing in Iran and Gulf nations. Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that diplomatic missions in Tehran and surrounding capitals are on high alert to assist citizens as the regional situation remains volatile.