NSCDC deploys 28,300 personnel for yuletide security nationwide
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilized 28,300 of its personnel across the country to bolster security and safeguard critical national assets ahead of the Yuletide season.
A statement from NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, on Friday confirmed that the operatives were selected from the Corps’ specialized units, including crack squads, special forces, anti-vandal units, and intelligence departments.
These officers will be stationed across key locations such as recreational centers, motor parks, shopping malls, and places of worship, as well as vulnerable infrastructure.
The decision to mobilize such a large force was spurred by growing concerns over potential acts of economic sabotage during the holiday period, according to Babawale.
He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, stating that the deployment was aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens and preserving the nation’s assets.
In a directive to zonal and state commandants, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi stressed the importance of proactive intelligence gathering. Audi noted that, during the festive season, criminal elements often seize the opportunity to execute nefarious activities.
He urged officers to step up their efforts, stating, “This is our statutory mandate; all hands must be on deck. As you are aware, criminal-minded individuals often take advantage of festive seasons to perpetrate their activities. Therefore, I charge you to intensify your intelligence operations and be proactive in safeguarding our communities.”
Audi further reaffirmed that any cases of damage to critical national assets (CNAI) would not be tolerated under any circumstance.
He assured the public that the security arrangements were designed to ensure a peaceful and crime-free Christmas and New Year season.
The NSCDC CG appealed to Nigerians to assist security agencies by providing credible information about potential threats, which would facilitate the swift arrest of suspected criminals and ensure that the holiday season passes without major incidents.
