The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, Zubairu Muazu, has given the assurance that adequate security arrangement has been put in place by his command to ensure a hitch-free World Cup qualifier match between Nigeria and Zambia.
The match is scheduled to hold on Saturday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Muazu, in a statement on Friday, pledged that all soccer loving Nigerians would enjoy the football match under a peaceful atmosphere devoid of any infractions of law.
Accordingly the commissioner has directed the deployment of specially selected officers knowledgeable in crowd control and policing events to provide top-notch security before, during and after the football match.
The statement which was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bala Elkana, said adequate crime reduction strategies had been put in place to check crime and criminality throughout the state following the influx of soccer fans into the state.
“Adequate crime reduction strategies have been in place to check crime and criminality, throughout the state. This is also in addition to existing anti-crime measures in the state,” the statement said.
The CP enjoined all soccer fans visiting the Nest of Champions to conduct themselves in a most orderly and hospitable manner adding that “sports is a veritable means to promote unity, solidarity and cultivate enduring friendship.”
He said the command, in collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders in sports administration were working assiduously to facilitate adequate sports security in accordance with international standards.
The commissioner added the command would not hesitate to deal decisively with miscreants and sports hooligans who might take undue advantage of the peace and security existing in Akwa Ibom State.