The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered a nationwide security deployment to protect critical national assets and infrastructure as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, said the Corps had deployed adequate personnel and operational resources across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure a peaceful celebration.
Audi, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, said the deployment would give special attention to strategic installations, public facilities and other vulnerable locations considered susceptible to vandalism, sabotage and other criminal activities.
He said the Corps was fully prepared to discharge its statutory responsibilities and contribute to the maintenance of peace and national security before, during and after the Independence celebrations.
“The NSCDC remains fully prepared to discharge its statutory responsibilities and contribute effectively to the maintenance of peace and national security,” Audi said.
The CG added that the Corps would sustain close collaboration with sister security agencies, relevant stakeholders and communities to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve its capacity for rapid response to security threats.
The nationwide deployment comes as Nigeria prepares for the 66th anniversary of its independence from British colonial rule, with heightened security generally required around public gatherings, strategic installations and other sensitive locations during national celebrations.
The NSCDC, which has statutory responsibility for the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, also plays a key role in preventing vandalism and safeguarding facilities vital to the nation’s economic and social activities.
Audi urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of security agencies by remaining vigilant and law-abiding throughout the celebrations.
He called on citizens to promptly report suspicious persons, activities or movements to the appropriate security authorities, stressing that public cooperation remained critical to effective security.
The NSCDC boss also urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and renew their commitment to national unity, patriotism and peaceful coexistence.
Audi, on behalf of the officers and personnel of the Corps, felicitated with the Federal Government and Nigerians at home and abroad, wishing the country a peaceful and prosperous Independence Anniversary.
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