Inauguration: IG orders tight security around Eagle Square

As part of preparations for the Friday Presidential inauguration, the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has ordered tight security at Eagle Square, venue of the programme.

He had also directed his personnel to scale up security at major hotels where important dignitaries and foreign guests would be lodged.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, in Abuja on Wednesday, said traffic on all roads around the Eagle Square would be diverted.

It further stated that key and vulnerable places within the Federal Capital Territory would be manned by security agents “as well as the mounting of Tactical Operation Points on all roads leading into and out of FCT.”

The statement reads, “As part of preparations for a hitch-free Presidential inauguration, the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase,  has ordered the diversion of traffic on all roads around Eagle Square on Friday,  May 29, 2015.

“He has also ordered tight security at Eagle Square, hotels, key and vulnerable places within the Federal Capital Territory as well as the mounting of Tactical Operation Points on all roads leading into and out of FCT.”

The police apologised for the inconveniences the traffic diversion may cause motorists and members of the public.

Meanwhile, more policemen and soldiers have been deployed in various parts of the FCT to ensure a hitch-free transition.

The Police High Command had also increased the number of policemen on city patrol and many of the teams were seen in their brand new Nissan pick-up vehicles patrolling the streets.

The various checkpoints mounted by armed soldiers are however causing traffic gridlocks, especially in the evenings.The military checkpoints at Abuja city gate, Kubwa-Zuba Expressway and around Julius Berger Roundabout, Wuse, are sources of frustration to motorists.

Our correspondent observed that the preparations for the inauguration is gathering momentum as a detachment of policemen, soldiers and naval officers daily rehearse for the ceremonial parade that will usher the nation into a new government.

Miniature flags that were mounted on street lights in different areas of the FCT had changed the face of the city, giving it a festive look.