As the nation joined other countries of the world to mark Good Friday and begin the Easter festivities, security agencies on Friday beefed up security in different parts of the country to forestall unsavoury incidents.
The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the military, Department of State Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps heightened security surveillance nationwide and deployed key personnel in strategic locations, including worship centres, shopping malls, amusement parks and recreational centres.
The DSS urged Nigerians to remain vigilant throughout the Easter period and advised them to report attempts by criminals to perpetrate crimes during the celebration.
The Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS, Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
The statement read, “Consequent upon these, everyone is urged to be vigilant and report attempts to breach security to relevant law enforcement agencies. The DSS website www.dss.gov.ng; email address- dsspr@dss.gov.ng and telephone lines +234915 339 1309; +234 908 837 3514 remain relevant for public guidance.”
Afunanya advised Christians in the country to stay away from illicit drugs, and excessive intake of alcohol, among others.
“Similarly, celebrants are advised to refrain from such behaviours as illicit drugs, and excessive alcoholism as well as reject all forms of bigotry and other social vices during the ceremony. They are, therefore, implored to renew their commitment to the peace, and unity of Nigeria and work towards her inclusiveness,” he stated.
He urged Christians to learn from Jesus Christ and apply his attitude in their daily affairs.
Afunanya said, “The Director-General, management and staff of the Department of State Services wish to felicitate the Christian faithful on the celebration of Easter. It also uses this opportunity to call on Nigerians to draw lessons from the forbearance and humility of Jesus Christ and apply the same in their daily affairs.
“The Service reminds them to use the event which illustrates sacrifice and forgiveness to refocus their love for one another, the nation and humanity at large. On this note, citizens are encouraged to adopt self-control, discipline and compassion in their dealings and conduct. The Service enjoins them to eschew bitterness, disloyalty, fake news, hate speech and violence.”
Lagos, Ogun
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, assured residents of Lagos and Ogun states of adequate security during the Easter celebrations.
The AIG gave the assurance in a statement signed by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Umma Ayuba, on Friday.
Durosinmi directed the Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun states, alongside commanders of tactical units and all officers in the zone to implement heightened security measures across the region.
The statement read in part, “The security measures include increased patrols and security presence in religious centres, shopping malls, tourist attractions, marketplaces, commercial districts, social gatherings and residential areas.
“Also included are highways and major roads, motor parks, garages, relaxation centres, train stations and bus terminals, critical national infrastructure, government and private property.
“These measures are designed to ensure the safety and security of all residents during the Easter holiday.
“Traffic flow will also be closely monitored to minimise congestion and maintain smooth movement throughout the festive period.”
The police boss, who wished all residents of Lagos and Ogun states a happy and peaceful Easter celebration, encouraged them to celebrate freely without fear of harassment or violence.
Rivers
In Rivers State, the police and the NSCDC said appropriate measures had been taken to forestall any breach of the peace during the Easter celebration.
The police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, and her NSCDC counterpart, Olufemi Ayodele, disclosed this in separate statements issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The two security agencies extended their felicitations to the good people of the state, particularly Christians, on the occasion of Easter, and urged them to pray for God’s protection and peace in Rivers State.
Iringe-Koko, stated, “The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of officers across the state to ensure maximum security of lives and property during the Easter celebration.
“In his operational order, the CP directed all area commanders, tactical commanders, and divisional police officers to deploy personnel and allocate resources to strategic locations within their areas of responsibility.
“These locations include churches, parks, event centres, as well as entry and exit routes in the state.
“Officers deployed on the highways have been instructed to maintain a high level of vigilance and professionalism while carrying out their duties.
“Religious leaders, traditional leaders, parents, and guardians are advised to caution their children and wards against engaging in unlawful activities during the celebration.”
The state NSCDC Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, assured residents of the state of a peaceful and hitch-free Easter.
Igwebueze said all heads of department, unit heads, area commanders, divisional officers and location supervisors had been directed to ensure the appropriate deployment of personnel in strategic points to forestall any form of criminality before, during and after the celebration.
He said the 2,300 personnel deployed were drawn from various units and departments of the command such as the marine unit, arms squad, counterterrorism unit, anti-vandal unit, intelligence unit, anti-human trafficking and illegal migration unit, among others.
Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it had deployed 2,313 officers and men to tighten security around various worship centres and amusement parks during the Easter celebration.
The state Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara disclosed this in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, on Friday.
The statement was titled, ‘Akwa Ibom CP felicitates with Christian faithful, deploys 2,313 personnel’.
“The CP, while thanking God for the prevailing peace in the state, congratulated the government of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for the developmental strides.
“He particularly prayed for the peace and progress of Akwa Ibom State and called on the good people of the state to remain steadfast in the pursuit of peace, unity and progress of the state.
“For a peaceful celebration of the Easter holidays, the Commissioner of Police has deployed 2,313 officers and men of the command in strategic locations, including worship centres, motor parks, amusement centres etc for the purpose of providing top-notch security before, during and after the Easter celebrations.”
Similarly, the state command of the FRSC said it had deployed a total of 662 personnel, including special marshals, to enhance its visibility and ensure free flow of traffic during the celebration.
It also deployed 10 patrol vehicles, two ambulances and a tow truck for effective coverage of critical areas, prompt rescue and response to distress calls and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways during the period.
This was contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Paul O. James, titled, ‘Easter celebration : Need for safety consciousness’, which was made available in Uyo on Friday.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
