Eid-el-Fitr: NSCDC, FRSC deploy operatives in prayer grounds, others

The various security and safety agencies have mobilised a massive number of personnel and equipment across the country for the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr.

 The Federal government declared Monday March 31 and Tuesday April 1 as public holidays for the Ramadan celebration.

Leading the pack of deployment, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed 2,800 personnel to Kwara, 1,000 to Ondo, and 4,000 to the Federal Capital Territory.

The statements of the various commands of the agency mandated security personnel to cover protecting lives, property and critical national assets throughout the festive period.

 A statement by the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu said officers deployed include personnel from specialised units such as the Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adkasu, Counter-Terrorism, and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosives.

Their focus, he said, will be on securing vulnerable locations such as prayer grounds, shopping malls, markets, recreational centres, and government buildings.

“Special attention is also being given to areas like motor parks, amusement parks, and diplomatic offices.

 “In addition, covert operations and surveillance are already underway, with undercover units monitoring potential security risks.

 “The NSCDC is also targeting locations known to harbour criminals, including uncompleted buildings that could pose a security threat,” the statement read.

Odumosu instructed all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure their teams remain vigilant and proactive.

The Commandant further urged officers to collaborate with other security agencies, maintain discipline, and respect citizens’ rights, while ensuring a smooth, peaceful celebration for all.

Odumosu also appealed to residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Similarly, the Kwara NSCDC said it has strategically deployed 2,800 personnel across all 16 Local Government Areas, with priority given to high-risk zones, including black spots, flashpoints, vulnerable locations, and areas prone to criminal activities.

“The Specialized tactical teams and intelligence operatives have been mobilized to conduct surveillance, deter criminal activities, and respond swiftly to emergencies,” a statement by the Kwara NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Ayoola Michael, read.

He also cautioned miscreants against any attempts to disrupt public peace, emphasising that the NSCDC is fully prepared to enforce the law and ensure a hitch-free celebration.

The Ondo NSCDC, through the command’s PRO, Mr Daniel Aidamenbor said it has deployed men to beef up security in all the 18 local government areas for the festivity.

The statement read, “The deployment is aimed at securing worship grounds across the state, safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructures of government and private structures, synergise with relevant agencies of government to ensure the protection of lives and property before, during, and after the Sallah celebration.

“Specialised units such as Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Female Squad, Rapid Response Squad, Surveillance Squad, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Undercover units amongst others would man identify vulnerable locations and proactively deal with infractions around prayer grounds, shopping malls, amusement and motor parks during this period.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps has deployed 754 patrol vehicles, 143 ambulances, and other essential equipment to monitor highways and manage traffic flow during the Eid-el-Fitr.

According to a statement signed by the FRSC spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide on Thursday, the deployment of these resources is part of the FRSC’s strategy to reduce road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries from March 27 to April 2, 2025.

“The patrol vehicles will be strategically placed along critical routes and high-traffic areas to enforce traffic laws, clear obstructions, and provide swift responses to emergencies,” the statement read.

 In addition to the patrol vehicles and ambulances, the FRSC stated that it has also deployed 157 administrative vehicles, 48 tow trucks, and radar guns to monitor speed violations.

“Under the objectives set to ensure the safety of lives and properties of all road users during the forthcoming 2025 Eid-el Fitri trips and celebrations, the Federal Road Safety Corps has deployed its entire workforce, including Special Marshals to the highways to ensure hitch-free movement as commuters travel from one destination to another across the nation.

“The Corps would achieve these through effective and efficient distribution of logistics and operational materials nationwide. This logistics includes the deployment of 157 administrative vehicles, 754 patrol vehicles, 143 ambulances, and 48 tow trucks.

“This is in addition to deployment of radar guns to check speed violations, setting out 16 traffic control camps on different routes, as well as man 53 critical routes nationwide,” the statement read.

 The Corps, according to the statement, is focusing on major corridors such as the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum, and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano routes, among others.

 “The 143 ambulances will be stationed at various points along these critical highways to ensure rapid response to accidents and provide medical assistance to crash victims.

“The Corps has also established roadside clinics and emergency rescue teams to ensure that help is available at all times,” the statement also read.

The statement further disclosed that the FRSC has set up mobile courts and is working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies to ensure effective enforcement.

“Motorists are encouraged to report traffic incidents or seek assistance through the FRSC’s mobile app, social media channels, or the toll-free helpline.

“As such, the corps marshal called on the motoring public to download the FRSC Mobile Application for real-time reporting and update on traffic situations, utilise all FRSC social media handles (facebook.com//frscnigeria,Instagram.com//frscnigeria, twitter.com//frscnigeria, and in case of emergency, call the 122 toll free number as well as the National Traffic Radio live lines: 08052997848 and 09139600107 which are available means to reach FRSC to report Traffic situations anywhere in the Country. The public can also reach the situation room on 07054005754 and 07054005712 respectively,” the statement also read.