NSCDC Deploys 53,500 Operatives Nationwide To Secure Eid al-Fitr Celebrations

As Nigeria prepares for the forthcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations, earmarked for Thursday March 19 and Friday , March 19, respectively, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has announced a massive nationwide security operation, deploying over 53,500 operatives to ensure a safe and peaceful festive period.

The directive was issued by the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who ordered the strategic deployment of personnel across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The move is part of proactive efforts to curb potential security threats and protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) before, during, and after the celebrations.

According to a statement signed by the Corps’ national public relations officer, ACC Afolabi Babawale, the operation will involve a combination of tactical units, intelligence teams, and undercover operatives positioned in key locations nationwide.

The statement explained that high-risk areas such as Eid prayer grounds, shopping malls, motor parks, mosques, churches, recreation centers, and other public gathering points have been identified as priority zones. “These locations will witness intensified surveillance and security presence aimed at preventing criminal activities and ensuring public safety,” it stated.

The statement further directed all zonal commanders, state commandants, and other senior officers to strengthen security architecture within their jurisdictions. This, the statement highlighted to include increased routine patrols and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies through intelligence sharing and rapid response mechanisms.

Speaking on the development, Audi emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation, noting that sustained synergy among security bodies remains crucial to maintaining national peace during the festive period. He also called on parents and guardians to guide their children and wards against engaging in activities that could threaten public order.

The statement reads in part, “Specialised units of the Corps, including the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG SIS), Crack Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Female Squad, and Special Forces, have been placed on high alert, with clear instructions to respond swiftly and decisively to any emerging threats.”

The NSCDC has further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest authorities.

With this large-scale deployment, authorities are sending a strong message of readiness, aiming to guarantee a hitch-free Eid celebration across the country while reinforcing public confidence in national security efforts. The statement concluded