Inspector General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba, yesterday confirmed that plans by terrorists to attack churches during the Christmas celebration were thwarted by the combined efforts of security agencies.

Abba, who spoke after monitoring the security situation in the Federal Capital Territory, confirmed receiving intelligence reports of plans by criminal gangs to launch terror attacks on Christian worshippers during the Christmas services in many churches.

The IGP hailed Nigerians for cooperating with the police to ensure a hitch-free Christmas celebration.

He told journalists of how the synergy with sister- security agencies ensured that terror attacks on churches were prevented.

He said the proactive steps taken by all security agencies, as well as the efficient sharing of intelligence helped to forestall such attacks.

“My presence in particular is part of the effort to make sure we live up to expectation. Truly, we continue to receive reports of plans to disrupt the Christmas festivity but the police and other security agencies have all beefed up their operations to make sure that people not just enjoy the festivity but to have a feeling and sense of safety. That is why you can see the number of deployments we have made,” he said. He expressed delight that as at 3pm when most church services were over, he had not received reports of any attack.

Abba however said that with so many activities associated with the festivity, the police will continue to scale up efforts at protecting Nigerians.

The IGP, who was also at the Jabi Lake in Abuja to monitor the safety of funseekers, however, urged the public to support police operatives in the prevention of crimes.

•Excerpted from Mirror. Photo shows IGP Abba.