The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has assured residents of a peaceful and hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebration, while warning criminals and vandals to steer clear of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) within the nation’s capital.
In a statement signed by DSC Monica Ojobi, Acting Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command on Tuesday, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the Command had intensified its operational readiness ahead of the yuletide season, a period he said is marked by increased social activities and, often, heightened criminal tendencies.
Odumosu disclosed that undercover operatives and the Command’s crack squad have been deployed on 24-hour surveillance and patrol of identified dark spots and vulnerable areas across the FCT to deter criminal activities, particularly vandalism of public infrastructure.
He urged residents, especially commuters, to remain alert and cautious of one-chance syndicates, advising them to patronise only designated motor parks and vehicles registered under identifiable transport companies.
According to him, such precaution remains crucial as criminals often exploit the festive rush.
He expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping within the capital city, the Commandant charged residents to be security-conscious, avoid late-night movements, stay away from isolated areas, and always keep family members informed about their whereabouts.
Odumosu warned individuals with criminal intentions to “rethink, relocate, or be ready to face the full weight of the law”, stressing that the NSCDC would not relent in its responsibility to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
He further appealed to the public to report suspicious persons or activities, particularly those lurking around or tampering with infrastructure such as electric cables, transformers, pipelines, telecom masts, manholes, and crash barriers.
The corps said reports can be made at any NSCDC office or through the Command’s hotlines: 09166229882 and 08159066244.
The Commandant also cautioned drivers to avoid reckless driving that could damage crash barriers and warned scavengers to stay away from such barricades, and stated that anyone caught with vandalised materials would be prosecuted.
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