BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI, ABUJA
As part its efforts to ensure seamless celebration during Nigeria’s 64th independence in the nation’s capital, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has deployed a total of 3,500 personnel to provide security in various communities in the territory, including all the area councils, as well as the city centre.
Also deployed are special squads, including Armed Squad, Special Crack Squad (operation Adaka-su), Female Strike Force, Anti-Counter Terrorism Squad, Agro Rangers and undercover personnel, to cover all the nooks and crannies of the FCT.
Commandant of NSCDC-FCT Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu, while addressing personnel at the Muster parade at the command headquarters in Abuja on Monday, explained that the deployment of the officers is to ensure public safety, protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, protection of public and private properties, and to ensure that there is no form of unrest in the territory during the celebration.
Olusola stated that government and residents of the FCT expect so much from the Corps in order to have a peaceful celebration, adding that the Command must ensure the safety of public and private properties.
He noted that the FCT, being the seat of power and the host to diplomatic headquarters of countries of the world, means that the Corps must be highly professional in the discharge of its duty to avoid any form of infraction.
In a statement by the public relations officer of the Command, CSC Samuel A. Idoko, the NSCDC-FCT Commandant insists that NSCDC’s Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) must be followed by all officers and men of the Command, adding that 24 hours surveillance on Critical National Assets must be a top priority.
He charged all personnel to ensure the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, as well as safety of residents of FCT during the independence celebrations, while urging all personnel deployed, to work in synergy with other sister security agencies.