Police, NSCDC beef up security for Christmas

In order to have a crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Suleiman Abba,  has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of state commands to put in place extended police visibility and patrols throughout the country.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officers, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Abba said he had taken into consideration the peculiar security situation in the country and therefore ordered adequate protection of Nigerians before, during and after the Yuletide.

He assured Nigerians that the police had put in place operational strategies to enhance security during the Christmas holidays and beyond.

The statement reads in part: “The various striking units of the Force vis: Police Mobile Force, Special Protection Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordinance Department, Dog Section, Mounted Troops have also been deployed as part of  the watertight security measures. The Police Air Wing will carry out air surveillance patrols while the Marine Police will ensure a sustained patrol of all water ways.”

The IGP rejoiced with Christians nationwide as they celebrate this year’s Christmas and enjoined them to practice the virtues of Jesus Christ by “propagating peace, demonstrating love and forgiveness.”

Abba asked operators of public places to be vigilant and ensure that they properly screen all visitors/users of their facilities during the Yuletide celebration.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has deployed 55,000 officers nationwide to ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The NSCDC spokesman, Mr. Emmanuel Okeh, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja that about 15,500 specially-trained sniffer dogs had also been deployed in the states.

Okey said the animals would complement the efforts of its personnel by ensuring law and order during the Yuletide.

 He said: “We have also taken delivery of about 500 specially-trained sniffer dogs from the United States, US, to complement the 15,000 we have on ground. And all of them will be deployed to ensure adequate security during this period.”