The newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has placed the Nigeria Police Force on high alert as of March 2026. This directive follows the escalation of military conflict in the Middle East and reports of planned “solidarity protests” across various parts of Nigeria.

Following his official swearing-in by President Tinubu on March 4, 2026, IGP Disu addressed the potential for domestic spillover from the U.S.-Iran conflict:

• Strict Neutrality: Disu emphasized that Nigeria “will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts.” He warned that any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions would be met with the “full weight of the law.”
• Targeted Surveillance: Commissioners of Police (CPs) in all 36 states and the FCT have been ordered to heighten intelligence gathering. Specific focus has been placed on the North-West, North-East, and North-Central zones.
• Protection of Worship Centers: The IGP directed increased police visibility around mosques, churches, and public spaces to prevent any exploitation of global developments to incite sectarian unrest.
• Community Engagement: Police leadership has been instructed to collaborate closely with traditional and religious leaders to maintain calm and ensure that peaceful demonstrations do not devolve into disorder.

The alert comes as thousands of Nigerians have reportedly participated in processions and demonstrations following the recent military strikes in Iran.

• U.S. Security Alert: Concurrently, the U.S. has issued a global security alert for its citizens in Nigeria, citing the potential for anti-Western sentiment or protests near diplomatic missions.
• Leadership Change: Tunji Disu recently took over from Kayode Egbetokun, who resigned on February 24, 2026. Disu’s immediate focus has been stabilizing internal security amidst these global pressures and the ongoing debate over the establishment of state police.

Public Advisory

The Nigeria Police Force has urged citizens to remain calm and law-abiding. They have requested that any suspicious movements or attempts to incite violence be reported immediately to the nearest police formation.