Nigeria on high alert after killing of Iranian general

Police in Nigeria issued a national ‘red alert’ on Sunday, following the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a United States drone strike. 

A statement issued by the police press office explained that this was in response to the threat of retaliatory domestic disturbances in Nigeria. 

“This proactive measure follows intelligence reports that sequel to the recent killing of an Iranian General, some domestic interests are planning to embark on massive public disturbances and sabotage”, said police press officer Frank Mba.

Mr Mba went on to say that “Consequently, Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police have been directed to ensure maximum surveillance and security of lives and property across the nation”. 

Police chiefs have been directed to strategically deploy both overt and covert police operatives to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens, foreign visitors and diplomats. The statement offered reassurance to Nigerians and foreign nationals resident in the country, as well as a severe warning to potential troublemakers. 

General Soleimani was killed on Friday by a US air strike in Baghdad, Iraq. He was the commander of the elite Quds Force unit in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard and touted as second in command to the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khomeini. 

Photo credit: Ivory NG