ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bayelsa State Command, says it has deployed 1,300 operatives to ensure at hitch-free Eid el Kabir celebrations across the state.
The State Commandant, NSCDC, Mrs Christiana Abiakam-Omanu, made this known in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Tuesday.
She said the enhanced deployment followed a directive by the Commandant-General of the corps, Dr Ahmed Audi.
Abiakam-Omanu said the NSCDC remained committed to ensuring adequate security and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure in the state during the festive period and beyond.
The commandant said the leadership of NSCDC directed all zonal commanders and state commandants across the nation to enhance operations to provide a safe atmosphere for the festivities.
She said that the NSCDC in Bayelsa had consequently deployed more personnel to strategic locations across the state to prevent vandalism or attack on all critical assets and infrastructure as well as places of worship, motor parks, recreation centers and flash points.
According to her, the NSCDC in the state is providing 24-hour surveillance in addition to routine patrols to prevent and guarantee safety in the state.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mike Okoli, says he has ordered the Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams and the Marine Department to intensify surveillance and patrols in the state to curtail criminal activities.
Okoli said: “They have been charged to provide adequate security coverage of mosques, public parks and recreation centres to ensure a hitch free sallah celebration.”
He felicitated with the Muslim community on the celebration and also reassured members of the public of adequate security during the Sallah.