The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 4,000 personnel across the nation’s capital to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The deployment was made on the order of the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu,and announced to the public in a statement.
He said the massive deployment was aimed at protecting lives, property and critical national assets before, during and after the Sallah festivities.
According to the Commandant, the deployment covers specialized units of the Corps including the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad and Agro Rangers, strategically positioned across the FCT and its environs.
Odumosu explained that undercover operatives from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) unit had also been mobilized to sweep the territory for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and forestall any attempt by criminals or bandits to disrupt the celebrations.
He noted that security personnel had been stationed at Eid prayer grounds, mosques, shopping malls, recreational centres, markets, amusement parks, motor parks and other soft targets, as well as areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.
The Commandant added that black spots and uncompleted buildings known to harbour criminal elements were equally under surveillance to prevent security breaches.
Odumosu directed Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to collaborate closely with other security agencies to guarantee maximum security across their jurisdictions.
He also warned personnel against harassment, intimidation of residents and accidental discharge, stressing that strict adherence to operational rules of engagement would be enforced.
“As usual, I will not tolerate any form of security breaches. All hands must be on deck and ensure personnel comply wholly with operational directives,” he said.
The NSCDC boss urged residents of the FCT to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency.
He further cautioned residents against boarding commercial vehicles with tinted glasses or unidentified “one chance” vehicles, warning that kidnappers and criminals could exploit the festive period.
Odumosu assured Muslim faithful of adequate security throughout the celebration and urged them to celebrate responsibly.
“We are ready to ensure the celebration is peaceful. Residents also have a responsibility to remain proactive, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies for the common good,” he stated.
He warned vandals and other criminal elements to stay away from Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, emphasizing that covert operatives and patrol teams had been fully deployed across the city to apprehend offenders.
The Commandant also extended warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to the Muslim Ummah.
