The Kwara State Command Of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 2,500 officers and men across various parts of Kwara State to maintain law and order during and after the yuletide season.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the state command of NSCDC, ASC Ayoola Michael, on Monday, said the deployment focuses on crucial areas prone to threats, including prayer grounds, worship centres, recreational facilities, motor parks, gardens, markets, shopping complexes, black spots, and critical installations.
According to the statement, the state commandant, Mohammed J.G Umar, revealed that this initiative is aimed at establishing coordinated actionable intelligence, deterring and addressing potential threats to ensure a secure environment for all.
He directed Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and Tactical Commanders to beef up security during the Christmas and New Year celebrations to prevent any untoward situation in their areas of responsibility throughout the Christmas season and beyond.
He also urged them to protect critical national assets and infrastructure to check vandalism during the yuletide.
The statement partly reads, “Commandant Umar reassures Kwara residents that NSCDC is operationally positioned to collaborate with sister security agencies and ensure a secure environment for a joyful and peaceful celebration.”
He urged members of the public to stay watchful, be on high alert, and promptly report any suspicious activities or movements of suspected criminals to security agencies for necessary actions.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kwara State Command, has also deployed 950 personnel comprising of Officers and marshals to the various roads and points to maintain smooth traffic in the state during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
A statement by Olayinka Basambo, the State Public Relations Officer of FRSC, said the deployed officers included 350 Special Marshals, 120 first respondents, 40 patrol vehicles, two power bikes, 4 ambulances, 4 private tow trucks and a 70-ton tow-truck for the end of year special patrol operations tagged “Operations Zero Tolerance to Road Traffic Crashes” from 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024.
“The special patrol is to serve as deliberate intervention towards the reduction of road traffic fatalities and injuries through removal of obstructions and prompt rescue of road crash victims, amongst others adding the special operations are necessitated by the attendant increase in movement of vehicles across road corridors in Kwara State during the Christmas and New Year festivities and the need to address road traffic encumbrances associated with such increase”, she explained.
The statement also noted that the Kwara State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Stephen Dawulung, has also deployed personnel for traffic control at strategic locations within Ilorin Township and major cities in the state during the period of the special patrol.
The Sector Commander admonished motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations to avoid Excessive speeding, Overloading, Obstruction, Use of Phone While Driving, Passenger Manifest Violation, Operating Mechanical Deficient and Rickety Vehicles, Route Violation, and Driving with worn-out tyres, among others.
The Sector Commander also stressed the need for drivers to avoid night journeys and take adequate rest of 30 minutes after every 4-hour drive as the safety of life should be prioritised over pecuniary gains.
“To ensure free flow of traffic during the end of year festivities, the FRSC Kwara State Command will further organise Public Enlightenment campaigns/Mega Rally in all interstate motor parks, early morning cry and advocacy at places of worship and Markets to sensitise the motoring public in Kwara State.
“The Command will also carry out Special traffic control operations to ease the road congestion in the Ilorin metropolis with 3 other traffic control camps established Bode Saadu, Jebba and Olooru to ease traffic within the respective axis.
“The heavy tow truck, Ambulances and standby rescue teams will be stationed along major highways within the State for immediate clearance of obstructions and rescue operations when the need arises
“The Operation is also in line with the Goal 1 of Federal Road Safety Corps’ 2023 Corporate Strategic Goals which stipulates a 5% Reduction in Road Crash Fatalities and Injuries.”
While wishing the good people of the state a happy Christmas and New Year celebration, Dawulung advised motorists to drive with caution as ”only the living celebrate.”
