By Goodluck Ikiebe in Abuja.
As part of measures to guarantee hitch-free Yuletide season, the Commandant General (CG), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has called on members of the public to ensure vigilance, remain at alert and ensure prompt report of movement of suspected criminals to security agencies for appropriate action.
In the same vein, he has ordered massive and adequate deployment of personnel in the 36 states, FCT to provide adequate security, confront any breach of peace and ensure maximum protection of lives and property before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In a statement from the Corps,Abuja on Thursday, he stressed that, adversaries must not be given any chance to strike on soft targets.
The CG maintained that these and other actions became necessary in response to existing security challenges being faced in the country.
Lamenting that in spite of measures taken, adversaries had continuously indulged in worrisome activities such as abduction, kidnapping, banditry, robbery, vandalism and wanton destruction of public infrastructure,he called for more strategic, much inclusive and more collective approach to deal with the menace.
“All hands must be on deck, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political differences, to deal with emerging challenges and situations seemingly threatening the peace and unity of this country.
“Traditional rulers, religious and community leaders as well as all citizens should collaborate with security agencies,through information sharing, to nip such incidences in the bud,” the CG advised.
Dr Audi reiterated the Corps’ determination to provide high level security during the yuletide and minimize the level of vulnerability of members of the public.
He,therefore, charged owners and managers of recreational facilities to secure their investments, to enhance security and safety of their clients, adding that travelers should also avoid movement during odd hours on vulnerable routes, especially the North West, South West, Southeast and South South axis.
The NSCDC boss assured Nigerians that the Corps is poised to maintain law and order, maintain peace and security, by protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, ensure 24 hour surveillance in addition to checkmating activities of vandals.
He assured that adequate deployment would be made to sensitive areas such as worship centers, recreation centers, motor parks, markets and shopping malls and other identified black spots to avoid untoward attacks on innocent citizens.
“Youths should eschew violence, while parents and guardians should embrace their obligations to monitor activities of their children and wards, who may be lured into criminal actions by friends and associates so that the long arm of the law will not catch up with them,”he added.
The CG, therefore, tasked all Zonal Commanders to strategize and ensure compliance of State Commands with his directives.
“We must leave no stone unturned in ensuring a hitch – free celebration this season, 24 hours patrol of critical infrastructure and national asset must be carried out without failure and concerted effort must be made to secure lives and property and prevent attacks during the celebration,” Audi maintained.
He charged Corps personnel to work in synergy with other security and law enforcement organizations to achieve a seamless attack by adversaries during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
