Security high commands across the country have intensified effort at ensuring peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations. Police and civil defence formations in particular have mobilized officers and men to crime in various states.
In Jigawa State, the commissioner of police, Mr Ahmadu Abdullahi, has ordered all area commanders, divisional police officers and operational commanders in the state to lead this year’s Yuletide operations.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s spokesman, DSP Lawan Shiisu and issued to newsmen in Dutse.
“In view of the forthcoming Christmas/Boxing day and New Year celebrations, the command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmadun Abdullahi, wishes to felicitate with the Christian community and the general public in the state and to reiterate the commitment towards ensuring hitch-free celebrations.
“Consequently, the CP has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations to coordinate and ensure that all the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Operational Commanders lead this year’s Yuletide Operations,” the PPRO said.
Shiisu said Abdullahi urged the officers to ensure high level of visibility policing and confidence building patrols around the worship centres, recreational and residential areas, as well as other places of public resorts to prevent any infiltration by hostile elements.
The commissioner of police in Kebbi, Mr Chris Aimionowane, also warned against the use of knockouts, fireworks or firecrackers during the festivities.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nafi’u Abubakar, issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi.
“While felicitating with the Christian faithful in the state, the CP warns against the use of knockouts, fireworks or firecrackers during the yuletide season as the use may likely cause panic or apprehension in the minds of unsuspecting members of the public,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Hayatu Usman, says the ban on sale and unauthorised use of fireworks and knockouts is still in force in the state.
This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Mahid Abubakar, on Saturday in Gombe.
Abubakar quoted Usman as saying that the ban was to prevent criminals from using it to perpetuate their intentions and creating tension during the festivities.
The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) has also assured residents of prompt response to emergencies during the Christmas celebrations.
Dr Usman Hayatu, Executive Secretary of the agency, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna yesterday.
Hayatu said part of the agency’s mandate was to promote safety among individuals and ensure the capacity to cope with hazards and disasters.
He said the emergency situation had no relationship with the celebration and “some of us have to work to save lives and properties.
Hayatu said, “The agency will not sit back and watch while fire incidents at homes, markets or accidents occur.”
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said it had deployed more personnel, patrol and towing vehicles to strategic locations across the state in ensuring unimpeded flow of traffic.
The general manager of LASTMA Mr Olalekan Bakare, disclosed in a statement in Lagos yesterday.
Bakare said the agency was dedicated in ensuring free-flow of traffic and prompt response to any infraction that could by any means extend the journey time of motorists.
He advised the motoring public to make use of the State Emergency toll – free numbers ‘112 & 767’ or call any of the LASTMA hotlines (08100565860, 08129928503 & 08129928515) for prompt intervention in case of any road emergencies across the State.
Bakare warned motorists against non-use of seat-belt, overloading, speeding, use of phones while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as contained in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed 100 personnel and special marshals along Sème- Badagry-Agbara route for traffic control during the yuletide.
The Unit Commander, FRSC, Mr Williams Manga, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry yesterday.
Manga said the deployment was imperative to ensure the command met the demands of the period and safety on roads.
