Eid-el-fitr: NSCDC deploys 700 personnel to beef up security in Akwa Ibom

This is contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Friday Ekerete, in Uyo and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

NAN reports that the Federal Government has declared May 2 and 3 as public holidays to celebrate Workers’ Day and Eid-el-Fitr.

“The Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has approved the deployment of 700 personnel of the corps to beef up security in the state all through Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

“The deployment is a proactive measure to ensure that the peace enjoyed in the state is sustained and the festivities are celebrated without hitches.

“The NSCDC boss commends the Executive Governor of the State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, for his unflinching support to the security services in the state,” Ekerete said.

Ekerete said the State Commandant, Mr Abidemi Majekodunmi, while addressing personnel deployed, emphasised non-kinetic force in operation.

He said the commandant charged the squad commanders to coordinate their teams professionally and focus more on deterrence and prevention of crimes, breakdown of law and order in their areas of responsibility.

Ekerete said the teams were directed to carry out crowd control duties where the need arises.

He said the personnel were drawn from the Armed squad, special female squad, anti-vandal and Agro Ranger units of the corps.

Ekerete added that places of interest where security would be beefed up were; mosques, praying grounds, recreational centres, malls and parks.

The patrol teams were also constituted to patrol strategic locations and identified hotspots in the state, including all entry and exit points in the state – Abia, Rivers and Cross River States.

He said the Divisional Officers had been directed to coordinate their activities in synergy with sister security agencies for effectiveness.

Ekerete, in the statement, wished Muslim Ummahs a joyous celebration. The commandant sued for peace, love and understanding among Akwa Ibom residents.

He called on residents to remember their civic responsibilities by joining in the protection of critical assets and infrastructure in their environment and promptly reporting acts of sabotage and vandalism to the nearest NSCDC office.