As Nigeria prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 3,000 personnel across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to maintain law and order. The deployment aims to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and property before, during, and after the anniversary. According to the NSCDC FCT Command's Public Relations Officer, Monica Ojobi, the personnel will also protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the FCT and its environs.
The deployed personnel comprise officers from various specialised departments and units of the corps, including the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad, Agro Rangers, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Unit, and Counter-Terrorism Unit. The NSCDC has also mounted a massive security presence in volatile areas and at potential soft targets, such as shopping malls, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, amusement parks, and locations housing critical national assets and infrastructure.
In addition to the overt deployment, the NSCDC has also stationed undercover personnel for covert operations and surveillance. The command has covered black spots, such as uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals, to prevent security breaches. According to Ojobi, the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has directed all area commanders and divisional officers to ensure that their respective area councils are adequately secured and that their presence is felt throughout the celebration period.
Odumosu has warned that he will not tolerate any form of security breaches and has charged all personnel to remain disciplined and exhibit good conduct while working in synergy with other security agencies. He has also directed personnel to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement, warning them to avoid harassment and intimidation of citizens and accidental discharge of firearms.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant has assured residents of the FCT of a safe and peaceful Independence Day celebration, saying the command will maintain security before, during, and after the anniversary. He has urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, individuals, or groups to the nearest security agency.
Odumosu has also warned criminals and vandals to stay away from critical national assets and infrastructure, stressing that NSCDC covert officers and patrol teams have been deployed across the city and will deal decisively with offenders. The commandant has charged residents to be proactive, vigilant, and ready to cooperate with security agencies for their common good.
With the deployment of 3,000 personnel, the NSCDC is poised to ensure a peaceful and secure 66th Independence Day celebration in the FCT. The command's efforts aim to provide a safe environment for residents and visitors to commemorate this significant national event.
Key points
- The NSCDC has deployed 3,000 personnel across the FCT to maintain law and order during the 66th Independence Day celebration.
- The deployed personnel will protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the FCT and its environs.
- The NSCDC FCT Commandant has assured residents of a safe and peaceful Independence Day celebration.
