by Tutu Akinlabi

Security across the federation has been beefed up in preparation for Independence day celebrations which will take place on Tuesday, the 1st of October.

This move comes as a result of apprehension that terrorist sect Boko Haram might have plans to strike and disrupt the day’s ceremonies.

Also police commands across the country have reportedly mapped out various security measures to forestall violence during the celebration by paying special attention to churches, open fields and stadia.

A few days ago, Boko Haram leader, Abu Shekau, resurfaced in a new video weeks after the military reportedly killed him. Shekau, in the video, threatened that more attacks would occur.

On Saturday, President Barack Obama described Boko Haram as “one of the most vicious terrorist organisations in the world.”

Already, in Ogun State, the police has put in place an operational order for the Independence anniversary.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the order would serve as a guide to the officers and men of the command in performing their duties throughout the period.

One of our correspondents gathered that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mamman Tsafe, held a meeting on Friday with the top officers in the command.

Regarding security at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, venue of the Independence celebrations in the state, the police spokesman said men of the anti-bomb squad and police sniffer dogs had been deployed in the stadium.

Similarly, the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta said its troops had been put on alert.

The Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, Captain Adamu Ngulde, said troops attached to the state’s anti-crime outfit, Operation Messa, were already maintaining tight security in different parts of the state.

Ngulde added that the brigade had enough troops on ground to contain any situation in the state.