Ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, has ordered the deployment of over thirty thousand officers and men to beef up security across the nation.

Speaking at the Corps National Headquarters, he charged all Heads of Directorates, Departments, Zonal Commanders, State Commandants, Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to deploy massively across board in order to ensure a hitch free celebration.

According to him, they have geared efforts towards keeping their people safe and critical infrastructure protected during and after the sallah celebration.

In his words, the recent spate of attacks and threats to life and property in the country call for more proactive engagements, rather than reactive actions.

He said they need to identify and address areas of concern to collective safety by deploying personnel adequately to protect soft targets.

Audi said Nigerians deserve a safe and peaceful environment and they must not allow bandits and terrorists to hold them to ransom now or anytime during festivity.

The Corps helmsman maintained that adequate security will be put in place to safeguard praying grounds, recreation centers, markets, shopping malls, motor parks and all critical national assets and infrastructure.

He charged those in riverine areas to deploy necessary equipment like boats for periodic patrol of the nation’s waterways to beef up security and forestall illegal activities of vandals and bunkerers.

Also to be on the watch list of the corps are suspected black spots and other vulnerable areas to prevent destruction of both human and material resources.

“We are now experiencing assymetric conflict which requires new strategy, vigilance and effective action; the Corps will not rest on its oars to ensure that crime is nipped in the bud and perpetrators are brought to justice”.

“I therefore, urge the good people of Nigeria to go about their legitimate businesses without fear, as our deployment will ensure safety and orderliness during the festivities” Dr Audi reiterated.

Mobilisation of personnel for the Sallah operation will be drawn from Anti-vandal unit, Special Female Squad (SFS), Rapid Response Squad, SWAT, Special Forces, CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, CG’s Anti-vandal Monitoring Squad, CBRNE, K9 Unit and the intelligence and surveillance team to ensure covert and overt security operation before, during and after the celebration.

He called on members of the public to assist NSCDC and other security agencies with useful Information about suspicious persons or acts that could threaten the peace and stability of the country.

He congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and other Muslim faithful across the country on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration and charged Nigerians to seize the occasion to pray for the unity and progress of Nigeria.

His directive is contained in a statement made available by
Director, Public Relations, DCC Olusola Odumosu.