…FCT security c’ttee assures optimal security
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the swift deployment of 28, 300 tactical operatives to enhance the provision of adequate security and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure across the states of the federation before, during and after the Yuletide seasons.
In a statement released Friday in Abuja by the Corps spokesman, Afolabi Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC boss decried the defiance act of some economic saboteurs who “engage in illegal dealings in petroleum products, illegal mining activities, vandalism of electrical power installation, destruction of telecommunication equipment, removal of manhole covers, destruction of railway gadgets and other government utilities provided to ameliorate the ordeals of the people and enhance its socio-economic life in general.”
According to the statement, Audi charged all zonal and state commandants on the need to step up and advance their intelligence expertise warning that vandalism of critical infrastructure in any formation would not be tolerated.
It read in part, “The NSCDC remains the lead agency in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the federation, this is our statutory mandate and must not be comprised; all hands must be on deck as we approach end of the year, you are aware that criminal minded persons often take advantage of festive seasons to perpetrate their nefarious activities.
“I, therefore, charge you to brighten your Eagle eyes and reinvigorate your Intelligence tactics as this would make you more proactive than reactive.”
He said all identified flash points would be closely monitored adding that recreational centres, religious gatherings, motor parks, amusement parks, shopping malls and other areas of importance would not be left without being monitored.
While congratulating the Christian faithful on the celebration of the birth of Christ, Audi said the NSCDC would work in collaboration with sister security agencies to forestall the operations of criminal minded individuals who might “want to cause mayhem, breakdown of law and order and vandalism of government utilities amongst others.”
The NSCDC affirmed that the Christmas and New Year celebrations would be hitch-free, urging the public to give credible Intelligence to NSCDC and other security agencies in order to effect the arrest of suspected criminals.
FCT security
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Security Committee has assured residents of the Territory of optimal security throughout the festive season.
The Commissioner of Police in FCT, Olatunji Disu, gave the assurance after the Committee’s meeting to review progress and operational plans in Abuja Friday.
Disu said the security agencies had identified areas of concern, such as exit and entry points to the FCT, bushes and other dark sports, adding that the Committee had decided to carry out clearance operations in the identified areas.
He said the agencies would embark on joint patrols of flash- point areas and stationed security men in strategic locations to ensure the safety of residents.
He identified the security agencies as the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, the Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services.
“We are intensifying our patrol especially for the yuletide.
“The military, the police and other security agencies here, are going to embark on clearance of a lot of identified places.
“So, when you see movement of troops, do not be afraid, these are security operatives embarking on clearance operations for us to have wonderful Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“We will be patrolling together to ensure that we bring peace,” he said.
The commissioner of police commended the public for the cooperation so far and solicited for more cooperation to ensure a hitch-free celebration.
He particularly commended the residents for providing critical intelligence that was helping to curb the rate of crime in the FCT.
“We have never had it this well, and we are still soliciting for more.
“Our numbers have been put in public domain in case you see anything suspicious, quickly tell us so that we can contribute to making the celebration peaceful and wonderful,” Disu said. (NAN)
Kogi gov’s largesse
In a related development, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi state has distributed 100 truckloads of rice to residents as part of his efforts to ensure a joyous Christmas and New Year celebrations for families.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, on Friday in Lokoja.
According to the statement, the gesture is aimed at alleviating the burden of rising food costs in festive period
“In addition to this gesture, the governor ordered the payment of salaries to civil servants on December 14. The governor has once again demonstrated his unbending commitment to the welfare of the people, in line with his oath to defend and promote the interests of Kogi citizens.
“His actions continue to reflect his determination to prioritize the needs of the masses,” the statement read in part.
It indicated that to ensure equitable distribution, the governor directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to oversee the process and prevent political interference.
Measures, he said, had been put in place to prevent the distribution from being hijacked by politicians or other interest groups.
“This administration is committed to fairness and transparency in every initiative.
“This initiative has further solidified his reputation as a leader who is deeply attuned to the needs of his people,” the read further.
Food, other items to the vulnerable
Meanwhile, the Aisha Achimugu Foundation has distributed money and food items to no fewer than 500 children and 200 vulnerable people, including widows, elderly and persons with disabilities in Kabusa community, in the FCT.
The programme director of the Foundation, Kiema Ogunlana, at the ceremony on Friday said the gesture or initiative was to make the Yuletide season brighter for the beneficiaries.
She said the initiative resonated with the Foundation’s vision of a world where no vulnerable persons either were denied access to quality living.
According to her, the Foundation thought it wise as the Yuletide season approaches to reach out to the community and round off the year by touching lives and putting smiles on their faces.
“We are giving them food, drinks, and giving children access to fun activities, games and all that. Usually before we carry out any interventions in communities we conduct needs assessment.
“So, before this activity we met with the community leaders, key stakeholders and they identified the vulnerable women within their community,” she said.
Ogunlana charged well-meaning Nigerians to use the season to reach out to vulnerable groups within their residence or communities in their little ways.
“I encourage you to impact lives as a group or as individuals and touch as many lives as you can, it will have a ripple effect in the community.”
The secretary to District Head Kabusa, Ezekiel Bitrus, appreciated the organisation for selecting the community for the project.
“We prayed to God to reward you abundantly,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Blessing Adewusi, commended the foundation for the gift, adding that God had used the foundation to bless her despite her challenges.
