As Christians across the country prepare to celebrate Easter, beginning with Good Friday, security agencies have pledged to ensure safety and peace throughout the festive period.
The military high command, state police commands and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps commands assured Nigerians of heightened surveillance, increased personnel deployment, and inter-agency coordination to prevent any breach of law and order during the celebrations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, in his Easter message, reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty, drawing parallels between the sacrifice of Easter and the selfless service of troops on the frontlines.
Gen Musa described the season as one of deep reflection and renewal.
He urged members of the AFN to draw strength from the message of Easter — sacrifice, courage, and triumph over adversity, the qualities he said were vital in the fight to secure the country.
“Every day, our troops embody the spirit of Easter through their selfless service, unwavering dedication, and loyalty to the nation.
“Their commitment to peace and security remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s stability,” he said.
The defence chief paid tribute to fallen military personnel who paid the ultimate price in the defence of the country.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of wounded soldiers and comfort for their families, while reaffirming that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“This Easter, let us remember our fallen comrades. May their memories remain eternal, and may their bravery continue to inspire us.
“We must also use this period to renew our commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the strategic objectives of the Armed Forces,” he added.
Gen Musa appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support and leadership in enhancing national security and building a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.
Also, the NSCDC and various state police commands have rolled out security arrangements, including the deployment of officers, and patrols at critical locations, major roads and worship centres.
To ensure a hitch-free celebration, the Kwara State NSCDC command deployed 2,680 personnel across the state.
The state Commandant, Dr Umar Mohammed, said the command had put in place robust security arrangements to prevent any breach of peace during the festive period.
He said officers and men had been strategically deployed to provide adequate coverage at churches, relaxation centres, critical infrastructure, and other public spaces across the state.
In Katsina, the NSCDC deployed a total of 2,100 personnel to maintain law and order during and after the Easter celebration.
The State Commandant, Aminu Datti Ahmad, said the deployment became necessary for the maintenance of peace and protection of critical national assets and infrastructures across the state.
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Buhari Hamisu, tasked operatives for civility and professionalism, as he emphasised strategic deployment of personnel to places of worship, recreational centres, motor parks, markets and other sensitive places across the state.
Ahmad enjoined the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements of persons or items to the nearest office.
The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, in a message issued on Thursday through the Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Rufa’i, called on residents to ensure the celebration was free from any breach of law and order.
He announced that the command had deployed adequate personnel and logistics across the state.
“The security architecture includes conventional police officers, intelligence operatives, mobile police units, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, and mounted troops for surveillance and crowd control.
“The command is fully prepared to provide adequate security during and after the Easter celebrations,” the statement read.
The Kano State Police Command, in a statement by the PPRO, Abdullahi Haruna, assured everyone of adequate security measures for peaceful and hitch-free celebrations.
“To guarantee peaceful coexistence during the Easter period, the Commissioner of Police has directed all Head of Departments, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Operational Commanders to intensify security efforts.
“These include deploying police personnel to strategic locations, across the state to maintain law and order, intensive visibility patrols, stop-and-search operations etc., in line with the command’s operation order for the season,” the statement read.
It added that the command was in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure comprehensive security measures for a peaceful Easter celebration.
In Ogun State, the police command said it had activated a comprehensive operational plan, including increased police visibility and patrols across key locations, worship centres and financial institutions for a crime-free Easter celebration.
The PPRO, Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Thursday, said the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, directed that there should be increased police patrols at Sagamu Interchange, Long Bridge, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ijebu Ode-Benin expressway, Sango Ota, Idiroko, border towns, Alapako, among others.
She said the command was also working in close collaboration with other security agencies to maintain law and order for the benefit of all law-abiding citizens.
“With an expected influx of visitors during the holidays, uniformed officers will conduct stop-and-search operations in vulnerable areas to enhance safety,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has called on Nigerians to stand together against blood guzzlers and enemies of state, who take solace in mindless killings of innocent souls.
He gave the advice in his message to felicitate with Christians on the Easter celebrations.
Oba Owoade, in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, said this would reinforce the collective will to completely snatch the country and destiny from the jaws of insanity and barbarism.
He also called for love among Nigerians.
“It was love that took Jesus to the cross. If His heart was not willing and overflowing with love, He could not have offered Himself as a sacrifice.
“At this time in our country, we commend this love to all citizens. Love that considers others first, love that prefers others above personal and selfish desires, love that seeks to emancipate, unshackle and liberate.
“In our country today, there is a dire need for unfeigned love. This is the vital lesson of Easter.
“Love will take us above mindless killings. Let us imbibe this love, and let them inspire non-Christians with their genuine display of the attribute,” he said.
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