By Olukayode Idowu
No less than 4,000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed in Abuja, the nation’s capital to ensure that the Yuletide is celebrated without breach of peace and security.
Speaking at the FCT Command headquarters, Abuja, the FCT Commandant of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu hinted that a robust operational order covering the entire Federal Capital Territorry had been released and being fully implemented.
He added that the Command’s Special Forces and various tactical units such as the Armed Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Rapid Response team, Special Female Squad, Agro Rangers unit, Anti vandals unit, Crisis and disaster management unit, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive Unit (CBRNE) and the Intelligence Unit were mobilised for this assignment.
According to him, the Command took this proactive step to ensure effective security coverage due to the influx of visitors to the FCT, which may lead to increased social, economic and criminal activities during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Odumosu said: “The mission of this operation is to provide robust security for visitors, residents and the protection of Critical National Assets and public utilities in the FCT.
“While we expect the influx of visitors at this period, some residents may also travel out of the territory, leaving behind their houses, property and other belongings which are vulnerable to criminals.”
He also assured that all operational and intelligence assets at the disposal of the Command had been fully deployed to cover strategic locations and soft targets like places of worship, recreational centres, markets, shopping malls, parks, gardens and suspected flash points.
Odumosu directed all the Area Commanders and Divisional Officers (DOs) across the 6 Area Councils to maintain 24-hour high visibility day and night patrols around all the nooks and crannies of the Territory.
He expressed confidence that with the existing synergy and high sense of collaboration amongst various security agencies, peace and order shall be guaranteed and maintained during the yuletide period in the FCT.
“There will be no laxness in carrying out our expected responsibilities of safeguarding lives, property and maintaining peace and order.
“I have directed my officers and men to be extra vigilant and to discharge their statutory responsibility with utmost diligence.
“I assure the FCT residents of the readiness of the Command to promptly respond to distress and emergency situation.
“I also encourage members of the public to report any suspicious movement and objects to the nearest security post as security is everyone’s business,” the Commandant said.
He urged the FCT residents to be law abiding, obey rules and regulations, be vigilant and above all, cooperate with law enforcement and safety agencies in the interest of peace and progress of the FCT and the Nation as a whole. Odumosu felicitates with the Hon Minister of FCT and residents on the yuletide season, wishing all christian faithfuls Merry Christmas and Nigerians a Prosperous 2024.