The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has announced the deployment of 1,200 personnel across the state to ensure robust security during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Public Relations Officer of the command, SC Efosa Ogbebor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Benin City. He explained that the deployment was approved by the State Commandant, Saidi Akintayo, as part of a proactive strategy to safeguard lives, property, and critical national assets during the festive season.
According to Ogbebor, the personnel were drawn from specialised tactical and operational units and strategically positioned across the three senatorial districts of Edo State.
“This is to forestall criminal activities before, during, and after the festive period. The deployment is designed to guarantee a peaceful and secure environment for residents and visitors throughout the Yuletide,” he said.
Operatives have been stationed at:
- Places of worship and prayer grounds
- Event and recreational centres
- Major highways and transport corridors
- Markets and other vulnerable locations
The command stressed that these measures are intended to reassure residents and deter criminal elements from exploiting the festive season.
Quoting the commandant, Ogbebor warned criminal elements to steer clear of Edo State, emphasizing that the corps “will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone found breaching the law.”
He added that the NSCDC remains committed to working closely with other security agencies to ensure uninterrupted celebrations across the state.
The spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, encouraging them to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid crime prevention and swift response.
Ogbebor also extended festive greetings, wishing Christians in the state a Merry Christmas and extending goodwill to all residents.