Eid-el-Kabir: Steer clear of Oyo, NSCDC Commandant warns criminals

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, Augustine Padonu, on Tuesday warned criminal elements to steer clear of the state, stating that the Command remains fully prepared to respond decisively to any form of criminality, vandalism, economic sabotage, breach of peace, or threat to public safety during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration slated for Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28.

The Commandant also deployed 2,060 personnel across the state for the celebration to ensure adequate security, protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, and a peaceful celebration.

The deployment, according to a statement by the Command’s spokesman, SC Samuel Opebiyi, is aimed at strengthening security coverage at Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres, markets, transportation hubs, critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as other vulnerable locations across the state before, during, and after the celebration.

Speaking on the deployment, the Commandant directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, Tactical Commanders, and Heads of Formations to maintain a high level of professionalism, vigilance, and synergy with other security agencies to ensure a hitch-free celebration across the nooks and crannies of the state.

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He further stated that personnel drawn from various specialised units of the Corps, including the Counter Terrorism Unit, Intelligence and Investigation Department, Agro Rangers Squad, Armed Squad, Disaster Management Unit, Female Strike Force, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit, had been strategically deployed to sensitive locations across the state.

Commandant Padonu also urged residents to remain security-conscious, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security formation.

While congratulating Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, he encouraged citizens to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, peace, tolerance, and love that the season symbolises.

He reassured the people of Oyo State of the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as the sustenance of peace and public safety.