The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilized 25,000 personnel across the country to safeguard lives and critical infrastructure during the festive season, according to Dr. Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General. Audi made this announcement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.
The deployed officers and men, drawn from various tactical units, will be actively engaged in surveillance to ensure that citizens can celebrate the festive season without fear, said Audi. He emphasized the collaborative efforts with sister agencies to secure citizens, especially at entertainment centers, and expressed the corps’ commitment to preventing any crisis or unfortunate incidents that could cause confusion.
The commandant general issued a warning that the NSCDC is prepared to deal decisively with any individual intending to cause mayhem during the yuletide season. In Lagos State, 2,500 NSCDC personnel have been deployed to enhance security during Christmas and New Year celebrations, as revealed by spokesperson Seun Abolurin.
The deployed personnel in Lagos include members from Operations, Intelligence, and Investigation Departments, as well as units specializing in Anti-vandalism, Armed Squad, and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives. Additionally, 2,345 NSCDC personnel have been deployed in Rivers State to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
In Kaduna State, the Police Command has intensified security measures to safeguard lives and property during and after Christmas celebrations. The command assured residents of its readiness to respond swiftly to distress calls and warned of decisive action against any individual or group attempting to disrupt the peace in the state.
Similarly, in Sokoto State, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed human and material resources across various locations for a safe yuletide celebration. The deployment strategy includes visibility policing at places of worship, event centers, and targeted operations in identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties, according to the statement by the command’s spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai.