Mr. Mba stressed the need for fans and owners of viewing centres to be more vigilant during the tournament.

As the World Cup begins on Thursday, the police on Wednesday said it would step up surveillance in and around viewing centres across the nation to ensure safety of football vans.

The Police spokesperson, Frank Mba, announced this at a news conference organised by the National Information Centre in Abuja.

Mr. Mba stressed the need for fans and owners of viewing centres to be more vigilant during the tournament.

He advised owners of the centres to take extra security measures as well as to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard their viewers.

“For the safety of your clients and customers, the operators of the centres should carry out a thorough stop and search of viewers before allowing them into the centres”, he said.

There have been bomb attacks targeted at viewing centres in Adamawa and Plateau states leading to the death of dozens of people.

(NAN)