Nigerian Police Heighten Security At Worship Centres Amid US‑Iran Tensions

The Nigerian Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security and public order in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to Ireporter Online, the Force has intensified intelligence-driven operations across the country to prevent attempts to exploit international conflicts to incite unrest in Nigeria.

Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed all state police commissioners, including those in the Federal Capital Territory, to collaborate closely with community and religious leaders. The directive emphasizes increased patrols and monitoring of worship centres and other public spaces, particularly in the North West, North East, and North Central regions.

The Force issued a stern warning that Nigeria will not tolerate the importation of foreign political or religious disputes, affirming that anyone attempting to do so will face legal consequences. Community leaders have been urged to foster peace, while citizens are encouraged to remain calm, comply with the law, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

These measures follow recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior officials on February 28, 2026. In retaliation, Iran launched counterstrikes across the Gulf, resulting in explosions in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and other countries hosting American military bases.

The attacks disrupted flights, damaged infrastructure, and caused civilian casualties. In response, the Nigerian government issued travel advisories for citizens in Iran and Gulf countries, calling for caution. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed for restraint and urged all parties to de-escalate hostilities.