The Nigeria Police Force in Niger State has deployed over 500 personnel to ensure a hitch-free Eid al-Fitr celebration across the state.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Minna by the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, has directed Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, Intelligence Units and Divisional Police Officers to deploy personnel for intelligence-led policing and raids of identified blackspots.
Abiodun said the deployment was aimed at ensuring a peaceful and seamless celebration before, during and after the festive period.
He added that officers had been directed to mobilise operational assets, including anti-riot water cannons, gun trucks and patrol vehicles, while also ensuring visible policing through joint operations with other security agencies.
“This is to enable them dominate public space for a tight security arrangement before, during and after the festivity,” he said.
Elleman further instructed tactical units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit, Tactical Support Team (TST), Monitoring Unit, Crack Squad, Anti-Thuggery Unit and Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU), to be deployed to major Eid grounds and other strategic locations.
He noted that an operational order had been issued to relevant commanders to ensure effective security coverage and free flow of traffic at all designated prayer grounds.
“There should be thorough supervision of men deployed in conformity with standard operating procedures,” he added.
The command advised residents, parents and guardians to celebrate responsibly and maintain proper control of their wards, warning that acts of thuggery and disorder would not be tolerated.
It warned that anyone found causing trouble would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Elleman also felicitated with residents and the Muslim Ummah in the state, urging them to uphold the teachings of Ramadan and embrace values of sacrifice, love and tolerance.
He encouraged residents to report emergencies or suspicious activities through the command’s official contact lines.