In preparation for the festivities in the month of December, the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 2,500 personnel to markets, parks, highways, and other public places in order to ensure effective visibility and patrol.
The deployment, according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer, DSC Samuel Opebiyi, is to reinforce the command’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors in the pacesetter state.
The spokesman said that the aim of the Commandant, Dr Michael Adaralewa, is to tackle the increased insecurity, which is usually synonymous with the end of the year festivities, and heightened pursuit of financial gains, leading to enhanced security across the state.
The security measures, the PRO stated, are aimed at safeguarding the lives and property of the people during the Yuletide.
Opebiyi said: “The State Commandant has directed all Divisional Officers in the state to deploy their personnel to strategic locations, ensuring a visible and effective security presence throughout Oyo State.
“Over 2,500 personnel will be deployed to places such as markets, parks, highways, and other public places, to ensure effective visibility and patrol.
“The command is taking this proactive action to safeguard public spaces, maintain peace and order, and attend to emergencies.”
Opebiyi stated further that the command is also intensifying its focus on actionable intelligence gathering in a bid to stay ahead of potential security threats.
This involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of relevant information to identify and neutralize potential security risks before they materialize.
“The State command recognises that timely and accurate intelligence is pivotal in formulating effective security strategies.
“By staying proactive in intelligence gathering, the Command aims to identify and address potential threats, contributing significantly to the overall safety and security of the state during the festive season.
Recognizing the critical role that infrastructure plays in the stability and development of the state, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, is placing a heightened focus on the protection of vital assets.
“Key infrastructural facilities such as power, transportation networks, communication networks and other public assets will receive increased security measures.
“By securing these facilities, the Command seeks to guarantee the continued functionality of essential services, contributing to a stable and secure environment throughout the festive season,” Opebiyi added.
The state commandant was also said to have deployed the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) to key areas across the state.
To effectively carry out the task, the PRO said that the trained personnel had been equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to detect and respond effectively to potential terrorist threats.
In addition, with the onset of the dry season, the Oyo NSCDC said that it would also focus on disaster management initiatives, particularly fire accidents.
It disclosed that the command’s Disaster Management Unit had been trained and equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any fire outbreaks or other emergencies.
In order to ensure fire safety measures and precautions, the command advised residents to avoid bush burning, store flammable materials properly, discourage the use of fireworks and have handy fire extinguishers.
It promised to work in synergy with other law enforcement agencies, local communities, and private organizations to pool resources and expertise in achieving its objectives of a safe December.
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