The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, has deployed 1,342 personnel across the state to ensure the protection of lives and property before, during, and after the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The deployment, approved by the State Commandant, CC EA Ajayi, MIIPS, MNIIS, is in compliance with the directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, as part of nationwide efforts to guarantee a peaceful, safe, and crime-free festive period.
In anticipation of the influx of visitors into Sokoto State during the Sallah celebrations, the Command has intensified security measures to ensure that criminal elements do not exploit the occasion to perpetrate unlawful activities.
The State Commandant disclosed that personnel have been strategically deployed to Eid prayer grounds, markets, motor parks, recreational centres, and other vulnerable locations, including Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the state.
He further directed Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to maximise operational effectiveness within their respective jurisdictions through enhanced intelligence gathering, community engagement, and sustained vigilance.
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property, CC EA Ajayi stated that the Command remains resolute in combating crime and criminality while ensuring community safety throughout the festive season.
According to him, officers have also been directed to strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers, local government authorities, community leaders, and other security stakeholders, especially in border communities, to prevent security breaches and criminal infiltration.
The State Commandant emphasised professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights among personnel deployed for the operations, warning against any conduct capable of tarnishing the image and integrity of the Corps.
Heads of key Departments and Units, including Operations, Intelligence and Investigation, Agro Rangers, and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), have equally been tasked with ensuring effective coordination and maximum operational efficiency during the celebrations.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a significant Islamic festival that symbolises sacrifice, gratitude, compassion, and spiritual renewal, urging residents to celebrate peacefully and responsibly.
Precautionary Security Measures During and After Eid-el-Kabir
The Command also advised residents to remain security conscious throughout and after the festive period, noting that criminal elements often exploit periods of increased social activities and travel.
The Command therefore urged members of the public to observe the following precautionary measures:
Secure Your Homes:
Residents travelling during the festivities are advised to properly secure their homes and inform trusted neighbours or community vigilante groups to monitor their surroundings. They should also avoid publicising their movements on social media.
Remain Vigilant:
Members of the public should be alert, especially in crowded places such as markets, worship centres, and event venues. They are advised not to display valuables, including expensive phones, jewellery, or large sums of money openly.
Report Suspicious Activities:
Residents are encouraged to promptly report suspicious persons, unusual gatherings, or abandoned items to the nearest security agency or through available emergency lines.
Monitor Young Persons:
Parents and guardians should closely supervise their children and teenagers to prevent them from associating with criminal elements or engaging in unsafe activities.
Travel Safely:
Travellers are advised to plan their journeys properly, avoid late-night trips on isolated routes, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy while cooperating with security personnel at checkpoints.
Celebrate Responsibly:
The public is encouraged to celebrate responsibly and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol or other substances capable of impairing judgement and exposing individuals to danger.
Verify Identities:
Residents should be cautious of individuals impersonating security or government officials and should always request proper identification where necessary.
The State Commandant reassured residents that officers and men of the Command remain fully mobilised to ensure the safety of all law-abiding citizens and the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across Sokoto State during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
He further extended his goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah and all residents of the state, wishing them a peaceful, joyful, and hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration. He also urged the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies at all times.
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