Easter: Civil Defence Deploys 57,000 Personnel To Churches, Parks

As Nigerians prepare for the Easter festivities, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced a nationwide deployment of over 57,000 personnel to churches, parks, shopping malls and recreation centres to ensure a safe and peaceful holiday season.

According to a statement issued by the corps’ national public relations officer, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the operation is a proactive measure to prevent security breaches during one of the country’s busiest holiday periods.

The massive security operation, approved by commandant-general, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, as contained in the statement, will cover all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The deployment includes specialised tactical units and intelligence operatives tasked with protecting lives, property, and critical national assets.

The statement further revealed that under the directive of the commandant-general, zonal commanders and state commandants had been mandated to maintain tight security across their jurisdictions. “High-risk and high-traffic locations such as churches, recreational centres, shopping malls, parks and others will witness increased surveillance, including both overt patrols and covert intelligence monitoring.

Speaking on the operation, Audi emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration and rapid response mechanisms, noting that effective information sharing remains critical to maintaining national security.

“Our goal is to ensure a seamless and secure Easter celebration for all Nigerians,” he said. “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.”

The Corps said it has also placed its elite units, including the Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Female Squad, and Crack Squad, on high alert to swiftly respond to any emerging threats.

They advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards to prevent them from being exploited in activities that could disrupt public peace.

The NSCDC called on members of the public to support ongoing security efforts by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest security formation.

“With this large-scale deployment, authorities say Nigerians can look forward to celebrating Easter under heightened security and improved nationwide vigilance.” The statement added.