The Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, on Tuesday pledged full support for the Nigeria Football Federation in its activities, especially with regards to safety and security of persons and property at the various stadia in the country.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the members of NFF Executive Committee, led by its president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, IGP Abubakar said: “I am a football man myself, so I know the challenges and constraints that you face.
“I am also not unaware of the limitations you have, in terms of modern facilities and equipment to properly police stadium areas during matches.
“But you also have to take the first step, by thinking and putting together a team that will be specially trained in stadium security.
“The ordinary policeman on the street is not specially trained for stadium security and have no idea that he should deal with the people in the stadia differently from those whom he meets on the streets on everyday basis.
“The way out is to have a team that is specially trained for this, as our country is always hosting important matches and championships.”
Abubakar was a board member of then Nigeria Football Association between 1996 and 1999 and was the Chief of Security for the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup that Nigeria hosted.
He added: “You need state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at our stadia to properly achieve adequate security before, during and after football matches.
“However, the Nigeria Police will always be ready to give you all the support that is necessary.”
Speaking earlier, Maigari congratulated the new IGP on his elevation and prayed that the reforms he has launched would better guarantee security of lives and property in the country.
He also stated that the NFF has initiated reforms and is re-focusing and re-strategising to better position Nigerian football to attain the height deserving of Nigeria’s giant status.
The NFF delegation also included 1st Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh; 2nd Vice President, Chief Rumson Baribote; Executive Committee members – Barrister Chris Green, Dr. Shehu Adamu, Barrister Leye Adepoju, Chief Effiong Johnson, Mr. Deji Tinubu, Chief (Mrs.) Dili Onyedinma, Alhaji Ahmad Kawu – General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu; Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; ACP Gideon Akinsola; the Special Assistant to the President, Tunde Aderibigbe; and the Chief Media Officer, Ademola Olajire.