NSCDC Deploys 57,000 Personnel Nationwide for Easter Security Operations
As Nigerians gear up for the Easter festivities, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced a comprehensive nationwide deployment of more than 57,000 personnel to ensure a safe and peaceful holiday season. This proactive security measure targets high-risk locations, including churches, parks, shopping malls, and recreation centres, across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Enhanced Surveillance and Inter-Agency Collaboration
According to a statement released by the Corps' National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, the operation has been approved by Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi. The deployment encompasses specialised tactical units and intelligence operatives dedicated to protecting lives, property, and critical national assets. Dr Audi has directed zonal commanders and state commandants to maintain stringent security protocols in their jurisdictions, with increased surveillance through both overt patrols and covert intelligence monitoring at high-traffic areas.
Emphasising the importance of inter-agency cooperation, Dr Audi highlighted that effective information sharing and rapid response mechanisms are crucial for maintaining national security during this busy period. "Our goal is to ensure a seamless and secure Easter celebration for all Nigerians. We are working closely with other security agencies to maintain law and order, and we urge citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives," he stated.
FRSC Issues Safety Advisory to Motorists for Easter Travel
In a related development, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State has issued a cautionary advisory to motorists, urging them to reduce speeding and limit journeys to essential travel only during the Easter celebration. Mr Babatunde Gold, the Itori unit commander of FRSC, provided this advice in an interview with newsmen in Ota, stressing the need to prevent unnecessary loss of lives on the roads.
Gold explained that reducing road presence is key to minimising mishaps, noting that motorists not on highways during Easter are less likely to be involved in crashes. "The FRSC is appealing to motorists to, possibly, reduce their presence on the roads so that mishaps can be prevented. Whenever they need to be on the road, they should use it with common sense by not driving against traffic and not competing with other road users," he advised.
Additionally, Gold counselled motorists to strictly adhere to all traffic rules and regulations, ensure their vehicles are in good condition before travel, and cooperate with FRSC personnel. A special patrol exercise will be conducted to respond to emergencies and check drivers' excesses, aiming to reduce preventable crashes throughout the festive period and beyond.
