The inspector general of police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu on Sunday, put police commands and formations nationwide on red alert following the death of Iranian army general, Qassem Soleimani
In a press statement issued in Abuja by the police spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, the police chief said the measure was taken following reports that some domestic sympathisers to the Iranan cause were planning to cause public disturnbances and sabotage.
The statement read: “This proactive measure follows intelligence report that sequel to the recent killing of an Iranian General; some domestic interests are planning to embark on massive public disturbances and sabotage.
“Consequently, Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police have been directed to ensure maximum surveillance and security of lives and property across the nation.
“The police commanders have been directed to ensure strategic deployments of both overt and covert Police operatives to ensure adequate security and safety of citizens, foreigners especially diplomats and diplomatic missions domiciled in Nigeria as well as the protection of critical national assets.
“Meanwhile, the IGP has assured all Nigerians and foreigners resident in Nigeria of adequate security. He has equally warned all potential troublemakers to steer clear of the streets and territory of Nigeria.”
It would be recalled that Soleimani, head of Iran’s elite Quds force and mastermind of its regional security strategy, was killed in an airstrike early Friday January 3, near the Iraqi capital’s international airport.
Under his leadership, Iran had bolstered Hezbollah in Lebanon and other pro-Iranian militant groups, expanded its military presence in Iraq and Syria and orchestrated Syria’s offensive against rebel groups in the country’s long civil war.
Soleimani was widely seen as the second most powerful figure in Iran, behind the Ayatollah Khamenei.
The Quds Force, an elite unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, reported directly to the ayatollah and Soleimani was hailed as a heroic national figure.
US president, Mr. Donald Trump, who was in Florida at the time of the strike, tweeted an image of the American flag shortly after the news broke.
He said the general was “directly and indirectly responsible for the deaths of millions of people”.
He added that Soleimani had “killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans… and was plotting to kill many more” and “should have been taken out many years ago.”
“While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country,” he added.
A statement from the Pentagon – the headquarters of the US Department of Defence – said Soleimani had been “developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.”
“This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans,” it added.
Soleimani’s killing marks a major escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran.
In his reaction, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said “severe revenge awaits the criminals” behind the attack.
