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2023: PVC, Your Tool For Electoral Victory, Fubara Tells GDI Members …Wants People At Grassroots Galvanised For PVC Registration …As Sensitisation Moves To Emohua, Ahoada East, Etche …Akuku-Toru Intensifies Ward-To-Ward Enlightenment Tour
The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has charged political leaders in Emohua Local Government Area to galvanise their people towards increased participation in the ongoing continuous voters registration exercise.
This is even as the GDI took the ongoing sensitisation rally for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (PVC) exercise to Etche and Ahoada East local government areas, at the weekend, with a charge the members of the GDI to ensure that every eligible voter in all the communities get their PVCs ahead of the 2023 elections.
Fubara gave the charge while addressing members of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), yesterday, 2022 during the PVC sentisisation programme at St Paul’s State School Field, Emohua, headquarters of the local government area.
He said though Emohua already has high level of political awareness and population, there was still the need to tell them about the importance of the Permanent Voters’ Cards.
“The reason why we are doing this sensitization programme is not that we are not aware that you are conscious of the use of PVC but we want you to prepare yourself well because election that we are going into is not election of thugery”.
He explained that Emohua had been a battle ground during elections, therefore to ensure that such incident doesn’t occur again, there must be increased PVC registration and collection to guarantee outright win.
Fubara also expressed confidence that the incident that took place in 2019 during the Governorship election in the state would not repeat itself in 2023 because the army would not be allowed to interfer in the electoral process.
“They did something because they carried arms. We are not talking about the army anymore, we are talking about human beings that will come out to vote. Let us not assume that we have the number. Let us assume that we dont have the number so that we can improve on the number we have”.
While noting that the local government area was important to Governor Nyesom Wike, the PDP standard bearer equally said the LGA was important to the state because of the array of great politicians in the area.
He congratulated the people of Emohua, especially GDI for the massive work done in mobilising the people for the programme, and commended them for the level of cooperation and unity among them, urging to not to relent.
In his speech, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb Desmond Akawor, commended the extensive work done by GDI to achieve such a wonderful level of mobilisation, describing the organisation as a “vehicular transmitter for effective mobilisation and sensitisation”.
Akawor, who was represented by the Secretary of the party, Dr Benibo George, told them that the PVC is the only power they have to choose who rules them.
He congratulated leaders of the area for the high level of political awareness and their affirmation that the people have been adequately sensitised.
Also speaking, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Emeke Woke, appealed to those who have not registered or have registered but have not picked the voters cards to do so, explaining that it is only the PVC that would be used during next year’s election.
“So, those of you who have registered are not yet privileged to pick up your PVC, please do because the INEC Electoral guidelines for this election will not recognise manual accreditation. Accreditation is by BIVAS and the BIVAS you need to have a PVC that will match your face so there is no point saying I registered but I have not picked my PVC”.
He, therefore, called for the engagement of chiefs, elders, CDCs and youth leaders in educating their people on PVC registration and collection, adding that the number of registered voter for any community woild be the “empirical basis” for determining the population of the people in that community.
High points of the sensitisation programme were solidarity speeches from political leaders in the area as well as gyration by the 14 wards in the local government area.
Political heavyweights from within and outside the LGA, including the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Prof Mrs Ngozi Ordu, local government chairmen, former commissioners and special advisers, members of the National and State Assembly, as well as aspirants, captains of industry and heads of tertiary education institutions, PDP State Executive Council, women, youth and student groups attended the event.
Similarly, the GDI also took the ongoing sensitisation rally for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (PVC) exercise to Etche and Ahoada East local government areas, at the weekend, with a charge the members of the GDI to ensure that every eligible voter in all the communities get their PVCs ahead of the 2023 elections.
The Gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, who gave the charge, also described GDI as a PDP workshop which must have requisite tools to function properly.
The event was well attended by hundreds of supporters and other party faithful who thronged St. Paul’s State School Field, Ahoada Town in Ahoada East Local Government Area, venue of the rally, singing victory songs.
Speaking at the rally, which held, last Saturday, Fubara maintained that the only tool needed by GDI to work was the PVC.
He, therefore, urged eligible voters who have not registered to participate actively in the electoral process to go to the nearest registration centre to do so.
The PDP standard bearer, who described the PVC sensitisation rally as a very important programme for the forthcoming election, insisted that the PVC would enable the electorate in Ahoads East to make their statement during elections.
“We won’t make our mark in this local government area, if we don’t have our PVCs. If we really have the interest of PDP’s working tool, which is the GDI, then, you need to have your PVC”.
He disclosed that the mere mention of his name was already making most people in the opposition jittery, saying that this was a clear sign of victory for him.
“We will win because each time you mention incoming, people get scared because I am the incoming, and I will win”, Fubara said.
He also advised GDI members not to bring their original PVCs to the rally, saying that it was possible for such cards to get lost in the process, adding that such a situation could be a great loss to the GDI.
“You can make photocopy and come with the photocopy. Each PVC that is here is a vote for us. Let’s not start loosing our votes while sensitising people. Your PVC is your voice, your PVC is your vote, your PVC is your power.
“What we are doing is to let you know the importance of the PVC. It is not just a jamboree. It is to tell you to go back to your unit, go back to your ward, and encourage people that have not registered to register now that the window is still open”.
Fubara further urged members of the party in Ahoada East to extend the campaign for the PVC registration in their various wards and units, encouraging them to take the PVC sensitisation of the GDI seriously.
According to him, the sensitisation rally is important for those who have the interest of the party and GDI at heart.
He assured the people that he would continue to partner with GDI to ensure that the party is re-elected in the forthcoming 2023 election.
Fubara, who expressed joy over the warmth reception, urged teeming party faithful to continue in their support for the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, towards achieving a better Rivers State.
He added that his candidature and the re-election of the PDP would consolidate on the achievements of the governor who has invested so much in transforming the state through his urban renewal programmes and policies.
Also speaking, President General of the GDI, Bright Amaewhule, recognised the efforts of the Ahoada East Council chairman towards improving the infrastructure landscape of the area.
He also acknowledged the contributions of leaders and members of the party in the area towards ensuring the successful hosting of the programme.
Amaewhule, however, charged the electorate not to feel threatened by the presence of any security outfit in the course of the sensitisation exercise, urging them to stand firm, secure and defend their votes in order to elect credible candidates in 2023.
On his part, Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Barrister Ben Eke, said his administration has made the production of the PVC a condition for bursary payment to students of the area.
Eke advised those who are yet to register for their PVCs to take advantage of the last days of the registration exercise to obtain their voters card.
However, it was like a carnival as hundreds of GDI members and supporters trooped out in their numbers for the INEC Continuous Voters Cards sensitisation programme which took place at Etche, last Friday.
The occasion, attended by the cream of Rivers personalities and political stakeholders across Etche and other local governments, featured what could best be described as a show of force as each ward came out in their numbers, dancing and gyrating round the Okomoko School Field, venue of the sensitisation programme.
The programme was preceded by solidarity messages by Etche political stakeholders.
Speakers at the event included, President General of GDI, Chief Bright Amaewhule; Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Amb Desmond Akawor, who attended the event in the capacity of Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) chairman as well as the Governorship candidate of the PDP, Siminialayi Fubara, who was represented by the Deputy Governorship candidate, Prof Ngozi Ordu.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, Prof Ngozi Ordu, lauded the people of Etche for the large turn-out, and also praised GDI for the great work they were doing in educating and sensitising the people for the continuous voter registration exercise.
Ordu, who described the PVC as the only potent instrument that can give eligible voters the voice to choose their leaders, urged them to register and obtain their PVC, and also use it wisely during the 2023 elections.
She urged GDI members to use the few days remaining for the PVC registration exercise to mobilise their people to register and obtain their voters’ cards to enable them participate in the 2023 general election.
On his part, the state PDP Chairman, Amb Desmond Akawor, who described the crowd at the Etche programme as an example of “the Wild Fire ravaging the entire Europe”, said Etche people have shown capacity to deliver victory to PDP.
He thanked GDI president-general and members of the organisation for the way they have been charging Rivers people to come out to register and obtain their Permanent Voters’ Cards, urging them to sustain the campaign.
Many others who delivered solidarity messages also underscored the importance of the permanent voters’ cards.
The events, attended by people from different walks of life, includingthe party’sstate Secretary, Dr Benibo George; members of the state executive of the party, members of the national and state assembly, local government chairmen, former commissioners, women, youths and students groups was massively attended.
Some of the local government chairmen include that of Obio/Akpor, Barrister George Ariolu; his Port Harcourt City counterpart and Chairman of Rivers State ALGON, Sir Allwell Ihunda; Ikwerre, Engr Samuel Nwanosike; Etche, Hon Obinna Anyanwu, Akuku-Toru, Hon Rowland Sekibo, amongst others.
Others who attended the events include, Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Edison Ehie; and Deputy Chief Whip, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Major Jack.
Similarly, the Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Hon. Rowland Sekibo has charged GDI members and stakeholders in the area to be in the vanguard of sensitising AKULGANS on the importance of the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) PVC registration exercise.
He said this when the AKULGA PVC sensitisation and mobilisation committee led by the visited Ward 17, which comprises Elem Sangama, Abissa, Soku and Idama communities, situated along the Sombreiro River.
They also toured Ward 13 in Briggs Compound, Abonnema and Ward 14 in Obonoma community.
He said that the central theme of the visit was to galvanise and sensitise eligible and indifferent voters on the necessity of registering for their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC).
Sekibo further said that the visit was also to encourage those with issues regarding their PVCs to take advantage of the existing window of opportunity before this weekend’s deadline for the conclusion of the exercise.
The occasion was also used to welcome back former party members in Ward 13 who previously decamped to the APC.
Accompanying the LGA chairman were, Vice Chairman Akuku-Toru, Mrs. Caroline West; Chairman, Rivers State Task Force on Waste Management and Disposal, who is also the Chairman, AKULGA PVC Sensitisation and Mobilisation Committee, Hon. Isobo Jack; Chairman, PDP, AKULGA, Hon. Emmanuel Stephen;a former minority leader and member, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Benibo Anabraba; Barrister Ibim Dokubo, Ven. Vincent Dokubo, and Councillor Ward I3 AKULGA, Hon Omona Oliver; amongst other party stalwarts.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) said over 17 million Nigerians travelled out between 2023 and 2024.
This is as the association announced that it would be organising a maiden edition of Eastern Travel Market 2025 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital from 27th to 30th August, 2025.
Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone, Hope Ehiogie, disclosed this during a news briefing in Port Harcourt.
Ehiogie explained that the event aims to bring together over 1,000 travel professionals to discuss the future of the industry in the nation and give visibility to airlines, hospitality firms, hospitals and institutions in the South-South and South-East, tagged Eastern Zone.
He stated that the 17 million number marks a significant increase in overseas travel and tours.
According to him, “Nigerian travel industry has seen significant growth, with 17 million people traveling out of the country in 2023”.
Ehiogie further said the potential of tourism and travel would bring in over $12 million into the nation’s economy by 2026, saying it would be a major spike in the sector, as 2024 recorded about $4 million.
“The potential of tourism and travel is that it can generate about $12 million for the nation’s economy by 2026. Last year it was $4 million.
“In the area of travels, over 17 million Nigerians traveled out of the country two years ago for different purposes. This included, health, religious purposes, visit, education and others,” Ehiogie said.
While highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s tourism, he said the hospitality industry in Nigeria has come of age, saying it is now second to none.
The Vice Chairman of NANTA, Eastern Zone further said, “We are not creating an enabling environment for business to thrive. We need to support the industry and provide the necessary infrastructure for growth.”
He said the country has a lot of tourism potential, especially as the government is now showing interest in and supporting the sector.
Ehiogie emphasized that NANTA has been working to support the industry with initiatives such as training schools and platforms for airlines and hotels to sell their products.
He added, “We now have about four to five training schools in the region, and within two years, the first set of students will graduate. We are helping airlines sell tickets and hotels sell their rooms.”
Also speaking, former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NANTA, Stephen Isokariari of Dial Travels, called for more support from the industry.
Isokariari stated, “We need to work together to grow the industry and contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
“With the right support and infrastructure, the Nigerian travel industry has the potential to make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy.”
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Tinubu Commissions Afam 11 Power Plant …Urges Stronger Private Sector Partnership In Power Sector
President Bola Tinubu has restated the commitment of the Federal Government towards achieving sustainable electricity supply and industrialisation in Nigeria.
Tinubu gave the declaration during the commissioning of the newly constructed 180 megawatts Afam 11 Power Plant located in Afam, Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State on Wednesday.
He said the completion of the project within just 16 months was a key achievement in the power sector.
The President who addressed Nigerians virtually during the event, emphasized that the project, which is a landmark partnership between Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Sahara Power Group, underscored the tenacity of his administration to promote success in private sector partnership and development, adding that the feat will increase industrialisation and economic growth in the country.
The president commended the Rivers State Government, the contractors, Sahara Energies and Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) for the successful delivery of the project on record time.
While urging stronger collaboration among stakeholders to achieve a more globally competitive Nigeria, Tinubu said achieving sustainable power supply remains an unwavering goal under his administration
The President described the project as a testament to the blossoming investment opportunities fostered by his administration’s well-structured policies, which prioritize national development and private sector participation.
He emphasized that the Afam II Plant will not only bolster Nigeria’s power generation capacity by adding 180MW to the national grid but also energize businesses, industries, healthcare facilities, and households, igniting hope for a brighter economic future.
“The completion of the Afam II Plant within just 16 months reinforces our capacity to overcome challenges through collaboration, tenacity, and unwavering commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” President Tinubu stated. “Achieving stable power supply remains a top priority for this administration. I have directed the Honourable Minister of Power and all stakeholders in the power value chain to work collectively towards our declaration to light up Nigeria.”
“We solicit the support of all Nigerians as we implement reforms and strategies to transform the power sector. Our administration will continue to enforce policies that attract investments—both local and foreign—to achieve this critical goal,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), hailed the project as a product of visionary leadership and private sector empowerment.
He noted that President Tinubu’s enabling policies have spurred bold investments across key sectors, including power, agriculture, oil and gas, education, and transportation.
“This power plant reflects the long-standing vision of successive Rivers State administrations to expand energy infrastructure beyond oil and gas, driving industrial growth,” Vice Admiral Ibas said. “Beyond boosting electricity supply, this project has created jobs and skills development opportunities for youths in Afam. I commend the host community for their cooperation, proving that peace and development go hand in hand,” he said.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the Afam II Plant as a commendable milestone showcasing the private sector’s pivotal role in enhancing power generation within a conducive business environment.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, applauded Rivers State’s sustained investments in energy infrastructure since 2011, culminating in the Afam II Plant’s success.
Speaking at the event, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, highlighted that the partnership reinforces Sahara’s position as Nigeria’s largest private-sector electricity provider, contributing 20% of the nation’s power supply and driving sustainable development.
He described the project as a celebration of collaboration, intentional strategic and sustainable partnership that make Nigeria an industrial hub.
He commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while also thanking the host communities for their support.
The Tide reports that the Afam II Power Plant stands as a beacon of progress, underscoring Nigeria’s resolve to achieving energy security, economic growth, and industrial transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Taneh Beemene
As Muslim faithful celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir today, security agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Police have deployed over 50,000 personnel to secure shopping malls, prayer grounds, motor parks, markets, recreational centres and various government buildings for the celebrations.
The FRSC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Wednesday, stated that over 36,000 personnel, including regular and special marshals, will be deployed across the country.
This is as he disclosed that the FRSC has commenced a nationwide special patrol operation in preparation for the Eid el-Kabir celebrations slated for today.
The operation will be supported by 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks, and more than 200 motorbikes.
The initiative, which runs from June 5 to June 11, aims to ensure road safety and manage traffic flow during the festive period.
The statement read in part, “Pursuant to the declaration of Friday, 6 June 2025 as the day of Eid el Kabir in Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Corps has commenced massive Mobilisation of its personnel and operational equipment for the Sallah special patrol aimed at ensuring safer road environment, before, during the festive period and beyond.
“The Operations Order states that not fewer than 36,000 of the FRSC regular, special marshals, and about 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks and over 200 Bikes would be on the road during the special operation that would commence from 05 to 11 June 2025.”
The statement noted that the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed that the special patrol was designed to facilitate free vehicular movement, enable prompt rescue operations, and promptly clear road obstructions.
Mohammed stressed the corps’ commitment to reducing road traffic crashes through effective patrols and public enlightenment.
The statement read in part, “To ensure the effectiveness of the operations, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, directed commanding officers operating across various formations nationwide to ensure that the 52 corridors are properly manned throughout the operations.
“He, however, appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties, saying mobile courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.
“The Corps Marshal also directed that the operatives pay first-rate focus on effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, use of phone while driving, driver licence violation, lane discipline, removal of rickety vehicles on the road, driving with expired/worn-out tyre and those without spare tyre etc.”
The statement added that commanding officers have been instructed to ensure full coverage of 52 key corridors across the country, including major highways such as Akwanga-Lafiya-Makurdi, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos, and Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, among others.
The corps also stated that it had equipped its officers with radar guns and breathalysers to monitor speed and deter drunk driving.
It urged all road users to cooperate with enforcement officers and to advocate for responsible driving habits during the festivities.
In the same vein, The Lagos State Police Command has rolled out a robust security plan to ensure a safe and peaceful Eid el-Kabir celebration across the state.
This was contained in a statement yesterday, by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.
According to the statement, the CP has ordered the deployment of various tactical and conventional police teams across the State to preempt and prevent any form of criminal activity during the festive period.
The statement partly read, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered the immediate deployment of conventional police personnel, the Rapid Response Squad, the Eko Strike Force, and other tactical squads of the Nigeria Police Force to all strategic locations across the length and breadth of Lagos State.
“Special anti-crime prevention teams have also been deployed to identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and other flashpoints to prevent crimes and criminality throughout the state, build public confidence, and dispel the fear of crime from the minds of all Lagosians and visitors alike, to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration during this festive season and beyond.”
It added that to strengthen operational coverage, the commissioner also deployed highly trained officers from the Force’s elite units.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has deployed strike forces of the NPF and tactical squad officers from the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Intelligence Department, Anti-Bomb Squad, and conventional teams across the state, with Armoured Personnel Carriers and other vehicular patrol teams, to focus strictly on providing security and protection at all Eid praying grounds, mosques and religious facilities, venues of gatherings and celebrations, and other areas of recreation, in order to ensure the safety and security of Muslim faithful and other non-Muslims who will be joining in the celebrations”, the statement further stated.
The command also assured Lagosians that key public areas would be closely monitored, stating, “Particular security attention is focused on recreation centres and other public spaces where large gatherings are anticipated. These spaces will be thoroughly policed to ensure effective crowd control, traffic management, and ease of movement across Lagos State.
“Additional proactive measures are being implemented to prevent crimes, ensure prompt detection of criminal activity, and address any emerging security concerns across the state.”
The statement further added that maintaining peace throughout the celebration remains a top priority for the Lagos Police Command, stating, “The maintenance of public order before, during, and after the festivities remains the utmost priority of the Command.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC in Lagos has also mobilised 2,150 officers across the state.
A statement by the Lagos Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, indicated that the officers are to ensure adequate security and prevent unscrupulous elements from vandalising critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.
The statement quoted the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, as assuring that operational strategies had been put in place to help rid the state of criminals and eradicate the nefarious activities of vandals and other criminal elements that take action inimical to the economic growth and development of the state.
“The officers and men across all formations of the command have been charged to bring the right and appropriate impetus on board to protect all strategic locations, points, facilities, right of ways, oil pipeline installations, religious and worship centres, parks and gardens and all assets belonging to the local, state, and Federal Government of Nigeria and more in the state,” the statement read.
In Katsina, the State Police Command said it had deployed adequate security measures to protect lives and property during and after Sallah celebrations across the state.
This was contained in a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq and made available to newsmen in Katsina, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “The Katsina State Police Command under the able leadership of CP Bello Shehu, is pleased to announce that given the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir festival, it has put in place adequate security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Sallah celebration throughout the state. To achieve this, the command has deployed adequate personnel and assets to strategic locations across the state.”
It warned against reckless and unlawful horse riding, dangerous driving, unlawful gathering, substance abuse, etcetera, which may cause chaos and endanger the lives of good people of the state.
In Delta, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered massive deployment of personnel from Area Commands, Tactical formations, and divisions to provide adequate security in all Muslim prayer grounds and strategic locations across the state.
The commissioner also directed all Divisional Police Officers to intensify raids of criminal hideouts and black spots within their areas of responsibility.
This was contained in a signed statement by the police public relations officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the police boss has assured the public, particularly the Muslim faithful, of adequate security and free flow of traffic in the state during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The Commissioner of Police noted that “in recognition of the significance of the sacred occasion, the Command will be working in close synergy with other sister security agencies which include the Military, DSS, NSCDC, Road Safety, etc to ensure that the activities of all unfriendly forces such as kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, etc are nipped in the bud.”
In Kwara State, the NSCDC assured all residents and visitors of a peaceful and well-secured festive season across the state.
The State Commandant, Mohammed Umar, ordered the deployment of 2,900 officers and men across all 16 local government areas to ensure full coverage of critical infrastructure, prayer grounds, recreational centres, and other high-traffic locations.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Ayoola Michael, on Wednesday, said, “All area Commanders, Divisional Officers, and Tactical Units have been directed to remain on high alert and sustain proactive engagements with communities.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Command of the NSCDC has “deployed 4,500 personnel across the nooks and crannies of the FCT” ahead of the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Commandant Olusola Odumosu, who heads the FCT Command, announced the deployment as part of efforts to ensure public safety and the protection of critical national assets before, during, and after the festivities.
According to a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Monica Ojobi, on Wednesday, the deployment spanned specialised units, including the Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adkasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Unit, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives Unit.
The statement revealed that officers had been stationed at key public locations considered vulnerable, such as shopping malls, prayer grounds, motor parks, markets, recreational centres, the City Gate, the Three Arms Zone, amusement parks, and various government buildings.
Odumosu emphasised the importance of full personnel deployment and warned that lapses would not be tolerated.
Residents of the FCT were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency. The command assured the public of its readiness to provide a safe environment throughout the celebration period.
Odumosu also warned criminals and vandals to steer clear of critical infrastructure, noting that covert security personnel are actively monitoring the city and will take swift action against any offenders.
“My personnel are ready to ensure you have a peaceful celebration, you have a part to play too by being proactive,” he stated.