Ahead of the yuletide celebrations, the Federal Government has placed all security agencies across the country on red alert to ensure a peaceful and safe festive period for Nigerians.
An informed security source disclosed on Sunday in Abuja that the presidential directive is being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in collaboration with the Ministries of Interior and Defence, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the source, security agencies have been directed to maintain a watertight security watch across the nation’s air, sea and land borders on a 24 hour basis throughout the yuletide period.
It was gathered that the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued operational directives to strategic police commanders, Assistant Inspectors General in charge of zonal commands, Commissioners of Police in states, and other police formations nationwide.
The directive mandates them to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, and deploy critical assets and personnel within their areas of jurisdiction before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Speaking on the security situation, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin, assured Nigerians of adequate security throughout the festive season.
He dismissed reports of alleged threats by an unnamed group to attack some cities during Christmas, describing such claims as empty threats.
According to him, the Police, working with other sister security agencies, have put sufficient measures in place to handle any form of emergency in any part of the country.
He, however, appealed to members of the public to support security efforts by providing timely and useful information on suspicious activities within their communities.
Further findings revealed that the Department of State Services has also placed all its formations nationwide on red alert.
The Director General of the DSS was said to have directed commands to ensure a hitch free celebration and to constantly update the service headquarters, also known as the Yellow House in Abuja, on developments within their areas of responsibility.
Similarly, both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service have stepped up security operations at seaports, airports and land borders to prevent any security breaches during the period.
On its part, the Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that robust and proactive measures have been put in place to forestall any attacks during the Christmas festivities.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General M E Onoja, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in close collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations in identified vulnerable areas across the country.
According to him, additional troops have been deployed to strategic locations and major routes, while special forces units and air support elements have been placed on high alert to ensure rapid response.
He added that surveillance activities, including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering, have been heightened to track the movement and communication of suspected criminal groups. Unit commanders have also been directed to strengthen patrols, establish fortified checkpoints, and maintain close collaboration with community leaders, local vigilante groups, and state security formations.
“As we approach this festive period, the Armed Forces of Nigeria reaffirm their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.
The security and stability of our nation remain our top priority, and every necessary measure is being taken to ensure that citizens celebrate Christmas in peace, unity and joy,” Onoja said.
He further stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to remain calm but vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation.
He assured that all reports would be treated with urgency and confidentiality.
The Director also conveyed the goodwill message of the Chief of Defence Staff, General O O Oluyede, who wished Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.
The source also disclosed that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has mobilised its personnel nationwide.
The Corps is now providing security escorts for VIPs as directed by the President, while also safeguarding the nation’s critical assets, with personnel already deployed across the country.
It was further hinted that the National Security Adviser is expected to meet with security chiefs and the Minister of Defence in the coming days for further briefings and coordination on effective operations during the festive season.
