The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa has reiterated its commitment to protect lives, property and critical national assets during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In a statement on Thursday by its spokesman, Adamu Shehu, the agency said fireworks and knockouts were banned during festivities.

It said the corps also deployed personnel to maintain law and order across the 27 local government areas of the state and that the personnel comprised specialised units including anti-vandal, agro rangers, armed squad, counter-terrorism, Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear and Explosives Response (CBRNE), intelligence/investigation, medical and disaster management.

The statement quoted the commandant of the corps, Mohammed Danjuma, as warning vandals to stay away from the state.

“Specific emphasis is made on places of worship, public utilities, recreational centres, government installations, motor parks, markets, malls, and other identified dark areas. Entrance and exit routes to the state were also manned, including borders for stop and search operations,” he said.

Mr Danjuma charged the personnel to be professional, vigilant and civil while upholding the corps’ standard operational procedures in discharging their responsibilities.

He also stressed the need for synergy between the corps and other law enforcement agencies for a hitch-free festive season.

While advising residents of the state to be vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies, Mr Danjuma urged parents to monitor their wards.

(NAN)