The United States (U.S) and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in separate statement has issued urgent warnings regarding possible hostilities from Iran amid a rise in tensions in the Middle East.
This comes as Iran has begun attacking U.S bases in the Middle East a joint U.S.-Israel military offensive launched on Saturday.
The warning also follows the decision of the leadership of South West of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN to stage a protest in Lagos State over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader.
The protester converged around the Maryland axis in the early hours of Monday, denouncing the invasion of Iran.
It was gathered that the protesters were singing protest songs, demanding global condemnation of American intervention in sovereign nations.
In a statement on Monday, the U.S authorities warned Americans in Nigeria to remain vigilant of possible hostilities from supporters of Iran.
“Following the launch of U.S combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S embassy or consulate,” the advisory stated.
The alert noted that Americans could experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures linked to the unfolding crisis.
The U.S Department of State advised citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.
It also urged them to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive timely security updates and to follow the ‘U.S. Department of State Security Updates for US Citizens’ WhatsApp channel for further information.
This warning coincides with an alert from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu.
Disu put state commands on red alert to prevent worsening internal security challenges.
Specifically, police commissioners in the Northwest, the Northeast, and Northcentral zones have been asked to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering; strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces, as well as swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.
“While Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation firmly under control, the Force has reinforced proactive, intelligence-led policing measures across the country.
“The IGP has directed all commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with particular attention to the Northwest, the Northeast, and the Northcentral 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 by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that 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.
“IGP Disu calls on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urges citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, and to report any suspicious activity 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.
The U.S and the Nigerian Police issued the warnings following reports by Iranian state and local media confirming the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
Several other high-ranking Iranian officials were also said to have been killed in the strikes.
In retaliation, Iran has launched multiple missiles targeting U.S. bases in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, vowing to avenge the death of its Supreme Leader and other regime officials.
