Anyone caught selling or using fireworks during Christmas risks being arrested and prosecuted, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police have warned.

In a statement Monday, the police said the sales and use of fireworks, firecrackers, knockouts and other combustible materials were banned before and during the Yuletide.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said the ban was to sustain existing peace and contain criminal activities associated with the period.

According to her, fireworks constitute a nuisance, disturbs public peace and causes unnecessary fear, apprehension and danger of possible fire outbreak.

“This is in addition to the possibility of providing an escape space for criminals after the commission of a crime.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FCT, Mr Babaji Sunday, has ordered all Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Police Units to carry out due enforcement of the ban.

“The idea is to ensure that anyone who violates the order is arrested and brought to book,’’ she said.

Ms Adeh asked parents and guardians to caution their children and wards from the sales and use of fireworks, firecrackers, knockouts and other combustible materials.

(NAN)