Eid-el-Kabir: NSCDC Deploys 56,000 Personnel, Tactical Units Nationwide

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed more than 56,000 personnel across the country ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as part of efforts to safeguard lives, property and critical national infrastructure during the festive period.

The nationwide security operation, ordered by the Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, also includes the deployment of tactical squads, operational vehicles, ambulances, boats and K9 units to strengthen emergency response and intelligence-driven operations.

According to the NSCDC, the deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful and hitch-free celebration across the federation while preventing acts of vandalism, criminality and other security breaches.

Specialized units placed on high alert include the Mining Marshals, Special Intelligence Squad, Crack Squad, Female Special Force and the Rapid Response Squad.

The Corps said the tactical teams would be strategically positioned in vulnerable locations and high-risk areas to respond swiftly to emergencies and maintain public order throughout the celebration.

To ensure effective coordination of operations nationwide, the NSCDC leadership has also activated a strict supervisory structure involving Zonal Commanders, State Commandants and field officers.

Under the arrangement, Zonal Commanders are expected to directly supervise commands within their jurisdictions and work closely with State Commandants to ensure full implementation of the operational order.

State Commandants, on their part, have been directed to monitor Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and Outpost Heads to guarantee compliance with security directives during the period.

The Corps reiterated its commitment to working with other security agencies in protecting citizens and critical national assets during the celebrations.

It also appealed to members of the public to support security operations by providing credible and timely information capable of preventing attacks or criminal activities.

The NSCDC warned individuals or groups planning to disrupt public peace or vandalise public infrastructure during the Sallah celebration to desist, stressing that violators would be arrested and prosecuted.

“The NSCDC will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found disrupting public peace,” the Corps stated.

The agency maintained that all necessary operational measures had been put in place to ensure that Nigerians celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival in a safe and secure environment.