• FRSC Pledges Effective Patrol Of Highways, Cautions Against Reckless Driving
• Adhere To Traffic Regulations, LASTMA Warn Lagosians
As Muslim faithful in Nigeria join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir today, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies have reassured members of the public of their readiness to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, yesterday assured Nigerians of the Force’s sustained efforts in tackling crimes and enhancing public safety and security across the country.
He directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), along with their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), to strategically configure the security architecture in their Areas of Responsibility (AoR) for robust and responsive policing ahead of the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The IGP also mandated Zonal AIGs and Commissioners of Police to deploy human and operational assets to conduct confidence-building and crime prevention patrols on major highways, in residential and industrial areas, at vulnerable points, places of worship, other public recreational places, and around all critical national infrastructure.
“These operations are to be conducted professionally, without harassment or extortion, ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of citizens. Personnel deployed are to perform their duties with discipline, professionalism, decorum and alertness,” the IGP ordered.
A statement by Police spokesman, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, added: “The IGP extends his warmest wishes to all Muslim Umma as they celebrate Eid-el-Kabir; praying the festive season brings peace, joy and prosperity to all while assuring of the commitment of the Force to ensuring that everyone celebrates in a safe and secure environment.
“He also emphasises that the Force would harness all available assets, including collaborating with relevant groups, associations, sectors and synergising with other security agencies to enhance service delivery and stabilise general security within the nation.
“The Inspector General of Police equally advises the public to adhere to all security advisories and traffic regulations during the celebrations to avoid any incidents that may mar the festive mood, and urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact police emergency lines on 08031230631, 09133333785, 09133333786, via mail at pressforabuja@police.gov.ng, or via social media on X @PoliceNG, FB @ngpolice, and IG @nigeriapoliceforce. The IGP wishes all Muslims a happy and peaceful Sallah celebration.”
In compliance with the directive, the Kaduna State Police Command disclosed that it has deployed conventional and non-conventional security operatives to patrol and man strategic areas in the metropolis and other parts of the state to prevent crime during the Sallah celebrations.
In a statement yesterday, the Command’s spokesman, ASP Mansir Hassan, announced that the command had put in place comprehensive security measures ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to ensure the safety and security of all citizens and residents across the state.
Hassan said: “In response to potential threats during this festive period, the command has devised meticulous operational strategies aimed at curbing the activities of criminal elements.
“Both conventional and mobile police personnel, including operatives from Special Intervention Squad (SIS), have been strategically deployed. Additionally, undercover operatives have been tasked with monitoring key and vulnerable points to maintain a high level of security vigilance throughout the state.”
Hassan reassured members of the public of the command’s readiness to promptly respond to any distress calls and to decisively deal with any individual or group attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere during the festive period.
He added: “In collaboration with all security agencies in the state, the Kaduna State Police Command seeks to reassure members of the public of their safety. Citizens are encouraged to carry out their lawful activities without fear of intimidation or harassment from any quarter.
“For further information or emergencies, members of the public are encouraged to contact the Kaduna State Police Command through the following contact numbers :08075391105, 07039675856”, he stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, Gyogon Grimah, has also directed all Area Commanders to flush out all criminal elements as Muslim faithful celebrate Eid-El-Kabir.
The CP gave the directive yesterday in a press statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo. Grimah, who assured residents of a secure and safe celebration across the state, emphasised the importance of a collective approach to security.
The commissioner appealed to all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to the appropriate authorities for swift action.
“In case of distress or emergency, residents are advised to contact the Police Command Control Room via the following numbers, 08133568456 or 07053355414,” the statement added.
The Police Commissioner extended his warmest wishes to all Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir. On its part, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has appealed to Nigerians to join hands with it to curb road crashes, especially during this Sallah season.
The Oyo FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander Rosemary Alo, stated that this collaboration would reduce accidents on roads across the nation, adding that it is everyone’s responsibility to follow all rules and regulations guiding safety on roads.
Alo, who addressed journalists on the preparedness of the FRSC towards ensuring safety on the roads before, during and after the celebration in the state, disclosed that the Command has implemented several measures in that regard.She added that the command has also deployed its men to roads, adding that it has also deployed ambulances in case of any accident so as to convey victims to the hospital.
The Akwa Ibom State Command of the FRSC has also disclosed that it deployed 408 Regular Marshals and 226 Special Marshals, 11 patrol vehicles, two ambulances and two towing trucks to ensure safety on the roads during the celebration.
The command noted that road crashes are not caused by blood thirsty unseen forces or spirits during festivities but by human beings who engage in over speeding and dangerous driving/overtaking, lane indiscipline/route violation, road obstructions, use of phones while driving, overloading, seat belt/child restraint use violations, passengers manifest violation, operation of mechanically deficient and rickety vehicles, loading of trailers with passengers, illegal use of the spy number plates to mention a few.
The Sector Commander, Lasisi Lanrewaju Ogundele, who addressed a press conference yesterday in Uyo, stressed that the deployment was sequel to the order of the Corps Marshal, who declared zero tolerance to road crashes across the country.
Ogundele said to achieve this milestone, the state command and its unit commands had put in place measures to engage the motoring public through purposeful and impactful public education programmes, adding that the command would ensure effective patrol operations, as well as adequate monitoring on the highways.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has also pledged to deploy additional personnel and resources to ensure smooth traffic operations before, during and after the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, made this announcement yesterday at the LASTMA headquarters, extending his best wishes to all Muslim brothers and sisters celebrating Eid-El Kabir.
He noted that all operational heads, including the newly restructured agency’s district comptrollers, commanders and zonal heads would be actively on duty to ensure efficient traffic management throughout the festive period.
Giwa emphasised that the agency’s provost, monitoring and surveillance units would closely oversee operations to ensure that all LASTMA officers on duty exhibit civility and the highest level of professionalism.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Lagosians on the occasion of Eid-El Kabir and assure all road users, particularly motorists, that LASTMA personnel will be stationed at strategic locations to effectively monitor vehicular movements across the State,” Giwa said.
He stated that for any traffic complaints, comments or commendations regarding the conduct of LASTMA personnel, the public, especially motorists, are encouraged to contact the following hotlines: 08100565860, 08129928515, 08129928503, and 08129928597 (WhatsApp only), or reach out via social media handles: Twitter ‘X’ (@followlastma), Instagram (@ekolastma_), Facebook (@ekolastma), YouTube (LastmaTV), and email (followlastma@gmail.com).
“All motorists must adhere to traffic regulations, drive within speed limits, avoid reckless driving and perform regular maintenance on their vehicles to prevent accidents,” he advised.
