The Kaduna state police command on Monday tasked residents of the state to be wary of unknown people around them and to celebrate the yuletide season with caution and moderation.
This is just as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it has mobilised over 3,000 personnel comprising officers and men across the state to checkmate criminal activities before, during and after the yuletide season.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Kaduna state command, DSP Yakubu Sabo, on Monday, the command has, “deployed adequate and comprehensive strategies for a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.
“In furtherance of community safety and crime prevention strategy of the command, before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations, members of the public are hereby advised to take note of the following safety and security tips: exercise caution and celebrate in moderation. Avoid any form of fireworks (knockout). Be wary of sharing gifts with unknown person(s).
“Be cautious of unknown persons that come around in the name of felicitation, pay extra attention to children/wards as they go about during the period, be vigilant of your surrounding when making withdrawals during the period especially at ATMs. Be very sure of your safety before embarking on a visit to new places. Do not board a commercial vehicle from unknown parks. Dot not embarks on late night journey.
“Do not leave the entire house empty as you go out to celebrate but ensure that at least one adult is left at home to prevent criminal cashing on your absence. Ensure all electrical appliances are switched-off when not in use especially when leaving the house, markets or shop Guard your valuables from pickpockets when shopping or attending a gathering. Do not attempt to pick-up/examine strange objects, they could be dangerous.
“Be aware of unknown itinerant preachers.,Do not hesitate to alert the nearest security agent of any suspicious persons or activities. Above all, be law abiding before, during and after the celebrations. Please do not hesitate to report to the police or nearest security agency where you notice any suspicious person or activities via following emergency numbers in times of distress 07039675856, 080 75391105,” the PPRO said.
Meanwhile, NSCDC Kaduna state Commandant, Babangida Abdullahi Dutsinma, said “as part of preparations to ensure hitch-free celebrations, we have mobilised over 3,000 personnel comprising officers and men in the state to checkmate criminal FCT.
“The personnel are making frantic efforts in combating crime, there should be renewed efforts in supporting us so we can confront the ugly challenges of abduction and banditry.
“We shall not spare any efforts to justify the confidence reposed in us in the protection of lives and properties, but we cannot achieve it alone, hence the call for public support. We urge law abiding people to take advantage of our routine patrols which have increased with surveillance to rid suspected spots of criminal elements.
“We applaud the support of the traditional institution, religious and opinion leaders in the state whose valuable contributions have enabled us arrest criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed banditry and internet fraud. Parents and guardians should warn their children and wards to desist from all unlawful acts, else appropriate sanctions will apply on anyone caught sabotaging security.”
