By Kenneth Madaki
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 56,000 personnel across the country to ensure adequate security during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The Corps said the deployment was aimed at protecting lives, property, and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the federation.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, ordered the immediate deployment of personnel and operational assets for the festive period.
Afolabi noted that operational vehicles, ambulances, boats, and K9 units had also been mobilised to ensure rapid response to emergencies.
He added that all specialised tactical squads of the Corps had been placed on high alert to prevent possible security breaches during the celebrations.
The squads include the Mining Marshals, Special Intelligence Squad, Crack Squad, Female Special Force, and Rapid Response Squad.
“The NSCDC has deployed over 56,000 personnel across the federation to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The massive deployment is aimed at protecting lives, property, and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure. The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, who ordered the deployment, also directed the immediate mobilisation of operational vehicles, ambulances, boats, and K9 units to ensure rapid response during emergencies.
“To preempt and counter potential security breaches, the Commandant General has placed all specialised tactical squads on high alert. These include: The Mining Marshals, the Special Intelligence Squad, the Crack Squad, the Female Special Force and the Rapid Response Squad,“ the statement read.
He explained that Zonal Commanders had been directed to supervise commands within their jurisdictions and work closely with State Commandants, while State Commandants were mandated to monitor Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, and Outpost Heads to ensure compliance with operational directives.
Afolabi also reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to collaboration with other security agencies and urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information on security threats.
He warned individuals or groups planning to disrupt public peace or vandalise public infrastructure during the festive period to desist, stressing that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.