Leaguement Management Company Chairman, Shehu Dikko, has announced the engagement of special security squads to protect match officials at various venues of the remaining NPFL matches.
Dikko, who made the announcement following successful talks with the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, said a League Security Desk (LSD) has been created for matches.
The second vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) explained that all match venues will benefit from this additional security to curtail increasing violence at match venues.
“We have had 359 games so far and, with the remaining 20 fixtures and the rescheduled game between Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars, it is only natural that we take precautionary measures to check any ugly incidences,” Dikko said.
“Our venues, so far, have been largely peaceful but security can never be enough hence we made the move to secure not just the match officials but also the fans and the clubs involved.
“For this reason, impress it on the referees that they must be strict in applying the rules during the matches without fear of molestation.
“It is important to build a security ring around our officials to protect them from the pockets of hooligans that are a feature of football matches globally.
“We have reached a period in the league when fans get desperate and can take laws into their hands.”
