FIFA congratulates Nigerian police on security

World soccer governing body, FIFA, has congratulated Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force for how they handled security for the FIFA U-17 World Cup competition last month, saying that the country deserves to be praised for performing beyond expectation. In a message it issued recently, FIFA  praised the police for providing what it called "excellent security services" during the championship.

FIFA's National Security Officer in Nigeria, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Gideon Akinsola said yesterday that the soccer body was satisfied that no hitch was recorded in the country while the tournament lasted. He said that the security arrangements put in place allayed fears that the country was unsafe.

Akinsola who was the tournament's Security Operations Officer, disclosed that in one of their meetings, FIFA's Security Liaison Officers from other countries, gave Nigeria a pass mark for ensure security. He therefore said that the Nigeria Police deserved commendation for a job well done.

"After the tournament, FIFA Security Liaison Officers from various countries, while assessing security arrangements during the period, praised the country for a good job. I think their comments were in order. During the fiesta, I shuttled from one sub-seat to the other, and in each one, I noticed that law and order were highly maintained.

"To this end, it is fitting to appreciate the country for organising a peaceful tournament. FIFA's appreciation goes to the Inspector General of Police, Ogbonna O. Onovo; Chairman of the tournament's Security Committee, Assistant Inspector General of Police MD Abubakar as well as the Secretary of the Security Committee, Col. T Fagbemi for their kind contributions in hosting a hitch-free tournament.

"Coming at a time we are re-branding Nigeria, there was probably no better period to organise a global championship than when the cadet tournament was held. Some of the visiting teams and their handlers enjoyed themselves so much that they would have loved to stay back in the country," Akinsola enthused.

The Guardian

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