Assistant Inspector-General of Police Salma-Dogo Garba, in charge of Zone 5 covering Edo and Delta states, has assured residents of heightened security during the Easter celebrations. In an Easter message delivered through the zone's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tijani Momoh, Garba emphasized comprehensive security arrangements across the two states. The measures align with directives from Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu to all commissioners and supervisory AIGs to protect lives and property. Garba confirmed increased patrols, strategic deployment of personnel at motor parks, highways, recreational centers, and surveillance operations in public areas.
Intelligence-led policing, stop-and-search operations, and collaboration with other security agencies are also in place. Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or relevant security agencies. Garba called on the public to embrace the Easter values of love, sacrifice, peace, and unity, and to use the period for reflection and community harmony. He assured that the police remain committed to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the festivities. The statement was released in Abuja on Saturday.
AIG Salma-Dogo Garba's public assurance of security during Easter is routine, not revelation. Nigerians have heard similar pledges before holidays for years, often with little difference on the ground. When the same script is reused without measurable improvement in safety outcomes, such statements risk becoming noise rather than news. For residents of Edo and Delta, the real measure will be what they see and feel on the streets — not what is read in a press statement.
