LAGOS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian authorities have beefed up security with the deployment of massive policemen across the country for the Sallah celebration.
Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on Friday ordered top police officers to deploy policemen ahead of the Muslims Eid el Fitr celebration.
National police spokesperson Jimoh Moshood said the operation would cover recreation centers, public places and critical infrastructure and public utilities.
He said federal highway patrol teams, Safer Highway patrol, and anti-crime patrol teams had been deployed on major roads and highways nationwide.
Moshood said police officers were under strict instructions to be civil, polite and firm in carryout their duties.
He said Special Police deployments would be made to flash points.
In restive northeast Borno State, the police announced a restriction on movement of vehicles during the upcoming Eid celebration in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas of the state.
Victor Isuku, a police spokesperson said the restriction will include the use of motor vehicles, tricycles, bicycles and animals except those on essential duties.
The restriction is necessary in view of recent security concerns, he added, noting that Muslim faithfuls are advised to pray at Eid prayer grounds close to their homes.
He advised residents to be security conscious and report strange happenings to security agents.
The restriction is the first since 2015, following successes recorded by the military against the Boko Haram insurgents.
Recently, the insurgents had intensified attacks especially suicide bombings in public places.
At least 17 persons were killed after five suspected female suicide bombers attacked Kofa Community near Dalori on Monday.
Also, on Tuesday, a convoy of vehicles was attacked along Maiduguri-Damboa road leading to the death of a policeman and a truck driver.
