Yuletide: Civil Defence Deploys 1,550 Presonnel, Police Map out Strategy in Abia

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo
in Umuahia

Security agencies in Abia State have mapped out strategies to ensure a peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year in the state. 

To the end, the State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) has announced the deployment of 1,550 of its personnel “to ensure a safe and secure environment for the Yuletide season in the state”. 

The Public Relations Officer of the Abia NSCDC, ASC II Doreen Udugwu, said in a release to the media that the State Commandant, Akinsola Aderemi, explained  the deployment was “aimed at ensuring the general public enjoys the holidays in peace”. 

“In this light, the command has made adequate provisions for personnel to be deployed to all places of worship and recreational centers across the state,” she said. 

The personnel deployed include officers and men from various departments, units, divisions, and area commands across the state. 

The NSCDC said it would “focus on securing critical national assets and infrastructure, recreational parks and centers, strategic facilities, and public spaces”. 

While the Commandant felicitated Christians, calling for peace, love, and unity among all citizens, he warned: “Criminal elements, particularly vandals, to desist from their illegal activities or face the full wrath of the law”. 

Meanwhile, the Abia State Police Command has strategically deployed personnel throughout the state to safeguard the safety and well-being of its residents, during this season of Christmas celebration. 

The Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, made this known in a statement on security alert to Abians. 

She said that the “operational strategy includes the sectorising of Abia State which encompasses a visible police presence on major roads, various places of worship and event centres” 

“Additionally, there will be raids on recognized high-risk areas, unfinished structures, stop-and-search operations, vehicular/foot patrols, and collaborative efforts among sister security agencies in the state”. 

The police spokesperson stated that the State Command was making concerted effort to ensure a smooth and secure festive period for the inhabitants of Abia State before, during, and after the Christmas celebration. 

Chinaka said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, has emphatically restated that the ban on the sale or use of fireworks (knockouts) in the State, remains in force, citing potential threats to public peace and security. 

She explained the reasons for the ban, saying that fireworks could potentially “cause distractions and create opportunities for criminal activities”, as well as sparking fire incidents, particularly during the harmattan season. 

The PPRO urged parents and guardians to counsel their children/wards against the sale or use of firecrackers (knockouts) “for the overall safety of the community”. 

The Abia State Police Command sent warm wishes to the Christian faithful in God’s Own Stat and reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents. 

It also encouraged all Abia residents to remain vigilant and utilize the police emergency lines for distress calls and complaints. 

According to the Abia Police, the Control Room can be reached at the following numbers:  08035415405; 08079210004; 08079210005; 08079210006.