Delta State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Matthew Sunday Ovye, yesterday, deployed about 1,480 officers across the state to provide 24-hour protection of all oil and gas installations, Second Niger Bridge, as well as surveillance on critical assets of the government across the state. Ovye, who made this known in Asaba, said the deployment was to ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.
 
 According to him, the officers deployed were drawn from various specialised units such as the Armed Squad, Disaster Management Unit, Anti-Vandal Unit, Counter Terrorism Unit, Tactical and Component Units. 

“The Rapid Response and Patrol Teams covering the three senatorial districts have also been mandated to ensure watertight security before, during and after the Yuletide season.
   
The Commandant, who is an expert in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), hinted:  “All measures were put in place to ensure that the state is adequately protected.”
   
He, however, advised Deltans to go about their celebrations without apprehension, as the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, will leave no stone unturned to ensure that miscreants and other criminal elements are apprehended and brought to book until a safe Delta is achieved.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, has announced that the ban on fireworks is still in force, as part of measures to ensure a safe and peaceful Yuletide season.