The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, has deployed 2,500 officers and men to ensure security of lives and property during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayoola Shola, on Thursday in Ilorin.

Mr Shola said that the deployment of officers and men of the corps was to protect critical national assets and infrastructure across the state, as well as ensure the safety of residents.

He said that the deployed officers were drawn from the Armed Squad Unit, Operation Harmony, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosive Unit.

Others are from the Anti-Vandal Unit and some other specialised units and had been evenly and strategically deployed across all 16 local government areas in the state.

“Additionally, plainclothes operatives from the intelligence and investigation department have been deployed for round-the-clock surveillance.
There will be overt and covert patrols at recreational and religious centres, market places, and locations of critical government assets.

Mr Shola quoted the state NSCDC Commandant, Umar Muhammed, as saying the command would partner with other security agencies in the state to ensure that residents have trouble-free celebrations.

The PRO called on the public to stay vigilant and be security conscious and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

Mr Shola said that the commandant extended his heartfelt Christmas and New Year greetings to the residents of the state and warned criminals planning to vandalise government property to refrain from such acts.

He said that offenders caught would face severe legal repercussions, including a 21-year jail term without an option of a fine, in accordance with the law. 

(NAN)