NSCDC Deploys 4,000 Personnel for Hitch-free Yuletide

 Michael Olugbode in Abuja

No less than 4,000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed in Abuja, the federal capital, to ensure that the Yuletide is celebrated without a breach of peace and security.

Speaking at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command headquarters, Abuja, the FCT Commandant of the Corps, Olusola Odumosu, hinted that a robust operational order covering the entire FCT 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 socio-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 in 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 the FCT 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 six Area Councils to maintain 24-hour high visibility day and night patrols around every nook and cranny of the FCT.

He expressed confidence that with the existing synergy and high sense of collaboration among 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,” he stated.