The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris has directed police teams on traffic control and observation patrols to commence immediate stop-and-search operations during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Force spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

He said Idris directed all State Police Commands across the country to beef up security at flashpoints, black spots and vulnerable points on major roads and highways across the country.

Moshood also said that IG further directed all Commissioners of Police to supervise police personnel deployed to these stop and search points to make sure that they are not turned to roadblocks.

According to him, this is will ensure the free flow of traffic and ease movement of travellers.

“The Police teams on traffic control and observation patrols have been deployed to such points and sections to manage traffic and carry out Police observation duties,” he said.

“Members of the public should promptly report any roadblock seen mounted anywhere in the country to the IGP X-Squad,” he said.

“All personnel of the force deployed for the Stop-and-Search operations were under strict instructions to be polite and civil in carrying out their duties,” the statement read.