As Christmas and New Year festivities approach, security has been significantly heightened across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and various states in Nigeria. Security agencies have mobilized additional personnel to prevent any potential breaches during the holiday season.
In the FCT, Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu announced the deployment of 3,180 officers to various worship centers and public spaces. This initiative aims to enhance security visibility and ensure the safety of residents during the celebrations. The police will conduct stop-and-search operations and implement both vehicular and foot patrols throughout the area. Commissioner Disu also highlighted the role of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, which will perform security sweeps of essential government and public infrastructure. He urged cooperation among police, religious leaders, and recreational facility owners to maintain a secure environment.
In Kano, Police Commissioner Salman Dogo Garba assured citizens of adequate security arrangements during the festive period. He emphasized a ban on fireworks and instructed officers to maintain round-the-clock visibility at worship centers and recreational facilities. Meanwhile, in Taraba State, 1,600 civil defense officers have been deployed. State Commandant Anthony Bitrus announced the establishment of several specialized squads to counter threats and ensure professionalism throughout the celebrations.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed Area Commanders and Tactical Commanders to deploy personnel to all celebration venues and flashpoints in the Asaba metropolis to prevent disturbances. In Plateau, the Police Command has focused deployments in areas prone to crises, including Mangu and Barkin Ladi, to ensure peaceful celebrations across the state.
In Imo, a joint team comprising police, military, civil defense, and local vigilantes has been deployed. They will conduct intelligence-led operations and confidence-building patrols to deter criminal activities. In Borno State, over 3,000 police officers have been assigned to secure places of worship and border communities, while the Niger State Police Command has ramped up personnel and operational assets for the holiday season. Similarly, in Kaduna, the command has deployed special units to strategic locations to enhance security.
States such as Kwara, Lagos, Oyo, Kogi, and Bauchi have seen the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deploying officers to protect national assets and ensure public safety during the festive period. As the holidays approach, security agencies across Nigeria are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities, aiming for a safe and peaceful celebration for all.
