.As Police deploys 3,180 officers in FCT
.Restrict movement in 5 LGAs in Plateau
JONAS AZIKE, Abuja and DANIEL DAUDA, Jos
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th of December 2024, and Wednesday 1st of January, 2025 as public holidays for the celebration of Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.
According to the statement, the minister extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.
The Minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” said Dr. Tunji-Ojo.
He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.
“While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the Minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world”, the statement added.
Somilarly, the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Olatunji Disu, has announced the deployment of 3,180 officers across the territory to ensure the safety and security of residents during the 2024 Christmas and New Year celebrations.
This initiative according to a release issued to newsmen by the Command’s Spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh aims to enhance visibility at places of worship, event centers, and public spaces while addressing potential security concerns in identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties.
“Key strategies include the deployment of Police Rapid Response Squads and Tactical Teams, conducting stop-and-search operations, and implementing both vehicular and foot patrols. “The FCT Police will also collaborate with sister security agencies to strengthen public safety throughout the festive season.
“Additionally, Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will conduct security sweeps of essential government and public infrastructures.
CP Disu emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the police, religious leaders, and owners of recreational facilities to ensure a secure environment.
“In his message, CP Olatunji Disu extends warm Christmas wishes to the Christian community and all residents of the FCT.
“He reassures the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to their safety and advises against the use of knockouts, fireworks, or firecrackers, which could cause unnecessary panic.
“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and utilize the following emergency numbers for distress calls or complaints: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883. For police complaints, please contact the Police Complaint Bureau at 09022223527.
Similarly the Plateau State Police Command has restricted movement in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Mr Emmanuel Adesina, the Commissioner of Police in the state, confirmed this to newsmen on Monday in Jos.
Adesina explained that the restriction would run between 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., adding that it would also run from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3, 2025.
He listed the LGAs affected by the move as Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Mangu, Riyom and Bokkos.
“After due consultation with critical stakeholders, the command has put a restriction on night grazing by herders, night farming, night operation of drinking joints, mining activities at night and operation of commercial motorcycles.
“This will run between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3, 2025.
“We have also banned operation of commercial tricycles, also known as Keke Napep, within the Jos Bukuru metropolis on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, 2025,” he said.
Adesina said that the command had also deployed its personnel to the 17 LGAs of the state, to ensure hitch-free festivities.
He, however, called on the residents of the state to be security conscious and to report any suspicious movement to the security agencies.
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