Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifier: Police Tighten Security In Uyo
.As Eagles host Indomitable Lions
Ahead of Friday’s crucial Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command said adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure a hitch free encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium in Uyo.
The State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu said the Police is determined to guarantee soccer loving Nigerians the opportunity to enjoy the September 1, 2017 match under a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of any infractions of law.
Accordingly, Muazu has directed the deployment of over 700 specially selected officers knowledgeable in crowd control and Policing events to provide top-notch security before, during and after the football match.
A statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu, also quoted the Police boss as saying that due to influx of soccer fans into the state, the Force has emplaced adequate crime reduction strategies to check crime and criminalities, throughout the state, adding that these are in addition to existing anti-crime measures in the state.
The Commissioner therefore enjoined all soccer fans visiting the Nest of champions to conduct themselves in a most orderly and hospitable manner, noting that Sport should always be deployed as “a veritable means to promote unity, solidarity and cultivate enduring friendship.”
The statement further said the Command, in Collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders in sports administration, are working assiduously to facilitate adequate sports security in accordance with international standards.
He however warned that the Command will not hesitate to deal decisively with miscreants and sports hooligans who may take undue advantage of the peace and security existing in Akwa Ibom State to foment trouble.
Nigeria currently sits atop Group B, Africa’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers table having amassed six points, after superlative victories over Zambia and Algeria in their first two matches. The Indomitable Lions are placed a distant second after garnering only two points from their one-all draws against both Algeria and Zambia.
