Police, NSCDC, Amotekun, FRSC deploy special teams
Security agencies in Kwara, Ondo and Abia states yesterday announced measures in place to complement existing safety measures during the Eid festivities.
The Kwara State Police Command, which barred the use of canopies and tents on public roads, said it deployed 450 crack operatives in traffic-prone areas and red spots.
It also made public hotline telephone numbers—0703 206 9501 or 0812 527 5046 —-for residents to call in case of danger.
The Police command warned in a statement by its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, that anyone caught in contravention of the ban on tents and canopies on roads would be made to face the law.
It also warned residents to adhere to all traffic rules and regulations and be mindful of other road users/pedestrians.’’
Ejire-Adeyemi’s statement reads in part: “An operation order has been drawn, directing officers and men, heads of tactical teams to provide adequate security at all Eid praying grounds and public spaces of gathering across the state.
“Visibility policing, intelligence gathering, men on patrol and guard duties will be carried out to prevent any form of heinous act.’’
Similarly, the state FRSC sector command said apart from deploying 450 personnel, patrol vehicles, power bikes, ambulances and light private tow trucks would be highly visible on the roads in the state till June 11.
It admonished motorists to ‘’avoid dangerous driving and wrongful overtaking, speeding, overloading, obstruction, use of phone while driving.’’
In Ondo State, the Police command did not give the number of its men already on Eid duty. But it said they would provide ‘water-tight security’ at prayer grounds and strategic locations in the state during the festival.
Its Spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said in a statement that the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify patrols and maintain high visibility policing in public centres during the period.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the strategic deployment of personnel in all Eid praying grounds, major public places and other critical locations;’’ Olayinka said, adding that “this coordinated effort is part of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property during and after the festivities.”
Also, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state deployed 900 tactical operatives to provide security during the celebration.
NSCDC spokesman, Daniel Aidamenbor, said: “The operatives are to ensure protection of critical national assets and infrastructure and safety of lives and property by forestalling all acts of criminal tendencies planned by unscrupulous elements during and after the festive seasons.’’
Relatedly, the Amotekun Corps announced the deployment of 600 operatives.
Adetunji Adeleye, commander of the Corps in the state, said the operatives would cover all the 18 local government areas of the state.
He said: “Our men will be on 24-hour patrols, both on the highways and within towns, to ensure peace and security. We are working in synergy with other security agencies to guarantee a safe and joyous celebration for our Muslim brothers and sisters.”
Five hundred and ten NSCDC operatives were also deployed by the state Commandant of the corps, Akinsola Aderemi, in the 17 councils in the state.
Akinsola charged the heads of departments and units, area commanders, divisional officers and component commanders to ensure tight security at prayer grounds, recreational/events centres, motor parks, markets, flash points and facilities belonging to federal, state and local governments.
“All personnel deployed are to work diligently to maintain safety and Security for the good people of the state,” he said.
