Sallah : NSCDC Deploys 53,500 Personnel Nationwide

As this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration approaches, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi has ordered the deployment of over 53,500 personnel comprising tactical operatives and intelligence squads across the country to strengthen security and ensure a hitch-free festive season.

The deployment cuts across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as part of proactive measures to tackle emerging security challenges and effectively safeguard all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps , Babawale Afolabi says following the Commandant General’s directive, all Provosts of Colleges, Zonal Commanders, and State Commandants have been mandated to provide adequate security coverage in their respective areas of responsibility.

The statement says  Identified flashpoints such as shopping malls, Eid prayer grounds, mosques, churches, motor parks, recreation centers, and other public spaces are to be closely monitored and manned by both uniformed and undercover operatives in order to nip any criminal activity in the bud.

It states that the Commandant General further emphasized the need for intensified routine patrols and sustained synergy with other security agencies through effective information sharing and swift response to emergency situations reported by members of the public.

According to him, “We will continue to collaborate and work in synergy with sister security agencies to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid festive season. Parents and guardians are also advised to caution their children and wards to stay clear of trouble and avoid being used as instruments for fomenting violence.”

The NSCDC boss also directed specialized units of the corps, including the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS), Crack Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Female Squad (SFS), and the Special Forces, to remain on high alert; having been adequately briefed, the units are expected to respond decisively to any emerging threat and deal firmly with unscrupulous elements bent on disrupting the peace of the nation.

The CG therefore urges members of the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious movement or activities to the nearest security formation.

PR/Nkiruka Njemanze