IGP Disu: Police on High Alert on Middle East Crisis

Abuja – The Nigeria Police Force has placed all commands across the country on high alert and reassured Nigerians of sustained security vigilance following the deadly escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Ag. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, psc, who assumed office barely a week ago, gave the assurance as United States and Israeli forces continue coordinated strikes on Iran that began on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top officials, with Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks now hitting targets across the region including Israel, Gulf states and beyond.

The Ag. IGP directed all Commissioners of Police in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, with special focus on the North West, North East and North Central zones, to immediately heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, boost visibility policing around worship centres, markets and other public spaces, and crush any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit the global crisis to incite unrest or sectarian violence.

“Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts. Any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law,” the police chief warned.

The directive comes at a time when the Middle East conflict has already disrupted global oil supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, pushed crude prices higher and raised fears of wider regional instability that could have economic and security ripple effects on Nigeria.

Disu, however, stressed that the nation’s internal security architecture remains solid and under firm control, even as the Force adopts proactive, intelligence-led measures to stay ahead of any threat.

He urged community leaders nationwide to continue preaching peace and called on all citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or formation.

The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, prepared and fully committed to protecting every Nigerian and preserving national peace at all times.

The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday, 1st March, 2026.