The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), FCT Command, has deployed 4,000 personnel to ensure the protection of lives and critical infrastructure in the territory during the Christmas. This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASC1 Comfort Okomanyi, on Wednesday in Abuja. According to Ms Okomanyi, the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, tasked the personnel to be diligent in ensuring hitch-free Christmas celebrations in the FCT. He said that the officers and men were mobilised from the armed squad, counter-terrorism unit, rapid response team, special female squad, agro-rangers and anti-vandals units. Others, he added, were personnel of the crisis and disaster management; chemical biological radiological nuclear explosive, and intelligence units. Mr Odumosu said the deployment was to ensure effective security coverage due to the influx of visitors to the FCT, which may lead to increased social, economic and criminal activities during the Yuletide. “While we expect the influx of visitors at this period, some residents may also travel out of the territory, leaving behind their houses, property and other belongings which are vulnerable to criminals,” he added. He assured that all operational and intelligence assets at the disposal of the Command had been fully deployed to cover strategic locations and soft targets, including places of worship and recreational centres, among others. Mr Odumosu directed all area commanders and divisional officers across the six Area Councils to maintain 24-hour high visibility, including day and night patrols of all the nooks and crannies of the territory. The commandant expressed confidence in the existing synergy and high collaboration with other security agencies, assuring that peace and order will be maintained during the celebration. “There will be no laziness in carrying out our expected responsibilities of safeguarding lives, property and maintaining peace and order. “I have directed my officers and men to be extra vigilant and to discharge their statutory responsibility with utmost diligence. “I assure the FCT residents of the readiness of the Command to promptly respond to distress and emergency situations,” he said. Mr Odumosu encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious movement or activities to nearest security post for prompt response. He also urged FCT residents to be law-abiding, vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement officers in the interest of peace and progress of the FCT. (NAN)