By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has reassured residents of its commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure atmosphere during the 2024 Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The command assured that the celebrations would be free of crimes and criminal activities that could disrupt public order or damage Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the state.

State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, gave this assurance on Tuesday at the Command’s Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja. He confirmed that the command had finalized its “Proactive Operational Deployment Strategy” in preparation for the Yuletide period.

Keshinro announced that 3,125 officers and men had been strategically deployed to key locations across the state, including relaxation spots, recreational parks, markets, worship centers, critical national assets, and areas of high importance. The deployment also covers remote and coastal/riverine areas.

These personnel are drawn from various departments and units, including Operations, Intelligence and Investigation, Anti-Vandal, Armed Squad, CNAI, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit, Quick Intervention Squad (QIS), Special Female Squad (SFS), Agro-Rangers, Crisis and Disaster Management, Counter-Terrorism, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Public Relations, Marine, Airport, and Anti-Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration Unit (ATHIMU), among others.

Keshinro emphasized the importance of interagency and intra-agency collaboration to ensure optimal operational success during the holiday season. He urged personnel to work in harmony with other security agencies to achieve the best results.

In his final round of training for the year 2024, Keshinro explained the concept of interagency and intra-agency collaboration while addressing the Management Team, Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, Tactical Commanders, and Officers in charge of various portfolios at the inauguration of festive operational deployment training organized by the Training and Operations Department on Monday, December 16, 2024.

The Lagos State Commandant also extended holiday greetings to Christians, wishing them a merry and glorious Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance. He encouraged all residents of Lagos—Nigerians and foreigners alike—to embrace the virtues of peace and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ during the festive season.

Keshinro also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for their continued support in the development of the Corps.

He concluded by warning any potential criminals to refrain from malicious and destructive actions during this period, stressing that those who engage in such activities will face the full wrath of the law.