The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi has deployed over 47,000 personnel nationwide to provide maximum security during the Sallah festivities.

CSC Babawale Afolabi, National PRO, NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja in a statement on Friday, said the deployment was part of measures to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

According to him, “The mass deployment has become necessary to justify the confidence the citizenry places in the Corps, and the need to live up to expectations by ensuring that every nook and cranny of the country is adequately secured and protected.

“Consequently, the CG has directed all Zonal Commanders and State Commandants to ensure adherence to operational order, standard operating procedure and code of conduct as they work tirelessly to maintain peace and order in their domain, he further ordered that all critical national assets and Infrastructure must be jealously safeguarded while massive arrests should be carried out on Vandals and economic saboteurs.

“The NSCDC helmsman explained that the deployment of over 47,000 personnel comprises all Special Forces, CG’s Special Intelligence Squad, Agro Rangers, Mining Marshals, Special Female Squad, SWAT and other specialized units who are to ensure round-the-clock surveillance on CNAI and free movement without any fear or intimidation.”

Audi stressed the need for synergy with other security agencies through effective cooperation, collaboration and coordination to combat emerging threats without delay.

“Since no agency has a monopoly of strategy to tackling security challenges; the NSCDC will continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to enhance the nation’s security architecture,” the statement added.

“It is, therefore necessary for all formations to be on alert and intensify efforts through constant patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering both on land and the coastal areas even as all black spots are marked red zones.

While extending his felicitation to the Muslim faithful on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Dr Audi also used the opportunity to call on members of the public to be vigilant and be free to report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency for appropriate action to be taken.

EID-el-kabir: NSCDC deploys 47,000 operatives to beef up security