Yuletide: NSCDC Deploys 28,300 Personnel, Issues Safety Advisory

In response to ongoing security concerns, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilised 28,300 personnel to secure critical national assets and infrastructure across the states of the federation during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The deployment is aimed at ensuring safety before, during, and after the festive period.

The Commandant-General, Dr. Abubakar Ahmed Audi,  in a statement issued by NSCDC’s national spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, said security personnel must not compromise their duties, saying criminal elements often exploit festive seasons to carry out illegal activities.

Dr. Audi condemned the actions of economic saboteurs involved in illicit dealings such as the illegal sale of petroleum products, illegal mining, vandalism of power installations, destruction of telecommunication equipment, removal of manhole covers and damage to railway infrastructure—activities that hinder the nation’s socio-economic development.

He instructed all zonal and state commandants to strengthen their intelligence-gathering capabilities, stressing that vandalism of critical infrastructure would not be tolerated. The NSCDC, as the lead agency in safeguarding critical national assets, he said, remained committed to fulfilling its statutory mandate without compromise.

Dr. Audi urged vigilance as the year draws to a close, noting that criminals often take advantage of the holiday season to disrupt public order. He reassured the public that the NSCDC would collaborate with other security agencies to prevent any criminal activities aimed at causing harm or damaging government property during the festive period.

While extending festive greetings to Christian worshippers, Dr. Audi assured Nigerians that the Christmas and New Year festivities would be safe and secure. He also called on the public to provide credible intelligence to the NSCDC and other security agencies to help apprehend criminals.

“I urge you all to sharpen your vigilance and intelligence capabilities, as this proactive approach is key to preventing criminal activities,” he added.

The personnel deployed include operatives from specialised units such as crack squads, special forces, intelligence, anti-vandalism, and operations departments.

He added that the NSCDC has also identified key flashpoints and will closely monitor recreational centers, religious gatherings, motor parks, amusement parks, shopping malls, and other high-traffic areas during the celebration.

The safety advisory issued by the Commandant-general of the NSCDC encouraged  Nigerians to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the NSCDC or other security agencies to help prevent criminal actions, urging the public to assist in monitoring and preventing vandalism of power installations, telecommunication equipment, and other vital infrastructure.

He also asked them to exercise caution in recreational centers, religious gatherings, motor parks, shopping malls, and other public areas, as these are potential targets for criminal activities.The public is urged to actively collaborate with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence to aid in identifying and apprehending criminals planning to disrupt peace during the holiday season.