NSCDC toughens security in A’Ibom for Easter free celebration

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has beefed up security in Akwa Ibom State to ensure a hitch-free Easter celebration.

The State Commandant, Dr Yusuf Imam, said this in a statement which was made available to newsmen in Uyo on Saturday.

According to Imam, the command had deployed 750 personnel to join other security agencies to protect the lives and property of Nigerians throughout the Easter period.

He urged the unit commanders in the state to increase patrol around Uyo and other local government areas and, respond promptly to any incident of breach of peace.

The commandant also directed divisional officers to mobilise their personnel to beef up security in the state’s 31 local government areas.

“To ensure a hitch-free Easter celebration in the state, the Command has ordered the immediate deployment of 750 personnel of the corps to join other security agencies to provide water-tight security all through the Easter celebration and beyond.

“The personnel are drawn from the Armed Squad, Agro Rangers, Anti-Vandal Squad, Special Female Squad, Counterterrorism squad and operatives of the Intelligence department.

“Easter, like other festivities in Nigeria, brings about increased religious and social activities.

“We are expecting an influx of people into the state which will translate to increased social activities.

“So, I want you to deploy your men to strategic locations especially places with increased social and religious activities.

“We cannot rest on our oars, we need to increase patrol within and without the metropolis, not forgetting notorious black spots. We need to beef up security in worship centres as well,” Imam said.

Imam assured the public that the Corps will not relent on its statutory mandate of providing security for critical infrastructures in the state both on land and water.

The commandant urged the Akwa Ibom youths and indeed all Nigerians to shun crime, and conduct themselves responsibly all through the Easter period and beyond.

He called on the good people of Akwa Ibom to avail the NSCDC and other security agencies with timely information for a prompt response.

The commandant felicitates with Christians in the state and admonished them to celebrate moderately while reflecting on the essence of Easter.