The Nigeria Police Force says the heavy deployment of security personnel and barricades across parts of Abuja is a proactive measure to maintain law and order, insisting there is no threat requiring public concern.

At a joint media briefing held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Force spokesperson CSP Anietie Iniedu said the operation was launched in response to an increase in protests within the city centre.

Iniedu explained the deployment is part of a joint operation to protect lives and property and maintain confidence in the Federal Capital Territory, which hosts key government institutions and diplomatic missions.

The increased presence has, however, led to traffic congestion in several parts of the city. Police say the force has expanded its strategy from intelligence-led policing to intelligence-led community collaborative policing.