As part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has deployed 1,800 personnel in Kogi State.
The Kogi State Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, DSC Abdullahi Aliyu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Aliyu noted that the Kogi State Commandant of NSCDC, Esther Akinlade, approved the deployment of officers, asserting that this is in line with the NSCDC Commandant General’s directive, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration across the country.
He stated that the State Commandant tasked the Area Commanders with ensuring proper security coordination of their areas, while Divisional Officers are to effectively mobilize their personnel across the board.
Aliyu further asserted that the State Commandant directed that all component Commanders and Special Forces be deployed to achieve watertight security for the maximum protection of the populace, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure.
While quoting the NSCDC Commandant in Kogi State, Aliyu said, “Our resolve to guarantee peace, safety, and protection of lives and critical assets in synergy with other security agencies must be carried out through our collective efforts.
“For these obvious reasons, I have directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to take full responsibility. Therefore, everyone must brace up to discharge their duties conscientiously,” the Commandant stated.
The statement added that the commandant has mandated all formations within the state command to engage community stakeholders in gathering credible and relevant intelligence and to carry out composite surveillance before, during, and after the celebration to prevent surprises from criminals.
According to the NSCDC spokesperson in Kogi State, the deployment of personnel should be focused on prayer grounds, worship centers, recreational facilities, motor parks, gardens, markets, shopping complexes, black spots, and critical installations to ensure a hitch-free festivity.
“The Commandant extends her felicitations to all Muslim faithful in the country and across the world, wishing them a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration, just as she prayed to God Almighty for a more peaceful Nigeria,” the statement added.