Christmas safety: Police deploy 7,777 officers in Ogun

NSCDC seeks Lagos PTD NUPENG collaboration

The Ogun State Police Command has deployed 7,777 personnel and intelligence officers to ensure law and order during the Yuletide celebrations and beyond. Spokesperson for the command, SP Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the development in a statement yesterday, said the festive time typically heralds increased social interactions, busy hours, and the closing of businesses, which can attract criminal behaviour. She emphasised that command’s zero-tolerance policy towards any criminal activity aimed at disrupting year-end festivities.

According to her, officers have been assigned to strategic locations throughout Ogun State to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens.“In an effort to bolster crime prevention, the Command has mobilised operatives well-versed in human rights, civility, and professionalism to various locations to detect and prevent crime while protecting lives and property.

“This proactive approach is designed to ease any fear of insecurity in our communities during the festive season.

“Recognising the potential for increased criminal activity during Christmas, the Ogun State Police Command has stepped up security measures, enhancing checkpoints and patrols across the state.

“Officers in uniform and plainclothes will be present to deter crime and reassure the public,” Odutola said. The police spokesperson identified high-risk areas that have witnessed threats in the past as Long Bridge, Rounder, Sapaade, Ogunmakin and others, stressing that the areas will be monitored by armoured patrols.

Additionally, Odutola stressed that specialised units like SWAT, Anti-Cultism and Anti-Kidnapping will conduct regular patrols around educational institutions.

“Key locations such as places of worship, parks, recreation centres, government buildings, banks, and homes of diplomats will benefit from significant police presence.

“The Command is working alongside other security agencies to provide a comprehensive security strategy aimed at ensuring peace and safety in Ogun State during this festive season.

“The public is encouraged to cooperate with security agents and respect the personnel on duty, who are working hard to keep everyone safe. Adhering to these security protocols will greatly contribute to maintaining a safe environment during the holidays.

“The Commissioner of Police, Dr Lanre Ogunlowo will be actively overseeing operations and coordinating with Area Commanders to support officers, with a force of 7,777 police officers deployed across the state.”

“The Operations Department is well-equipped to respond firmly to all threats.

“For any security concern, the public can contact the control room.

“We urge drivers to navigate safely and exercise patience at roadblocks, which are in place for the collective benefit of the community.

“CP Ogunlowo wishes the people of Ogun State a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year,” she added.

MEANWHILE, the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro has solicited the cooperation of PTD National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Lagos Zone for peaceful Christmas celebration. Keshino spoke when he led his team to visit the Zonal Chairman, PTD NUPENG, Lagos Zone, Comrade Alhaji Adigun Saheed Omo Gbolahan.

The commandant has earlier deployed 3,125 personnel to secure critical national assets and infrastructure, lives and property in the state. He explained that it was important to enhance collaboration between the Corps and PTD NUPENG in the state to end any form of economic sabotage, ensure smooth and ease of business and emplace compliance to rules and regulations in the oil industry, by practitioners and experts in the field.

Similarly, the Zonal Chairman, PTD NUPENG, Lagos Zone, Comrade Alhaji Adigun Saheed Omogbolahan, who received the Lagos State Commandant, with other distinguished executives from the National, South West and Lagos Zone of NUPENG also solicited, the support of the Corps for their union and workers, to aid ease of doing business across their Zone.

The Lagos State Commandant assured the Zonal Chairman and other executives of the PTD NUPENG, Lagos Zone of the Corps’ unflinching resolve to ensure uninterrupted movement of petroleum tankers carrying product in tandem with the appropriate authorising documents from the depot. He explained that this among others will aid citizens at this Yuletide period to enjoy the end of year season with their families and loved ones.