Three days to Christmas, security and road safety agencies in the country said they have stepped up measures to ensure a hitch-free celebration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in Oyo, the state’s Police Command reminded residents that the ban on the sale and use of fireworks remained in force.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ngozi Onadeko, said in Ibadan on Wednesday that the command would enforce all extant laws prohibiting the sale and usage items during the season.
She said that serious sanctions await violators and warned dealers, traders and suppliers of fireworks against trading the banned material.
Onadeko directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police officers and Tactical Commanders to clamp down on all unauthorised street carnivals which in most cases were avenues for instigating gang-related violence.
She said that the Police Command in the state could be reached in case of emergency through the following telephone lines: control room number, 615 (toll free), 07055495413 and 08081768614.
Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom, the FRSC said it has deployed 519 personnel as part of efforts to ensure free flow of traffic in the state during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Sector Commander in the state, Mr Matthew Olonisaye, gave the figure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Wednesday.
Olonisaye said the personnel which comprised 305 Regular Marshals and 214 Special Marshals were deployed across the 31 local government areas.
The sector commander advised motorists and other road users to celebrate with caution and avoid speeding.
In Adamawa, the FRSC told NAN that it had deployed more than 1,000 personnel, including Special Marshals for patrol during the period.
Mr Utte Boyi, the Sector Commander, told NAN in Yola that the command had taken a lot of measures to ensure seamless traffic and accident-free celebrations.
“We have deployed over 1,000 staff in respect to special patrol to all areas where services are needed in Adamawa.
“Our partners, Special Marshalls, are also in the field for the special patrol,’’ Boyi said, and appealed to motorists to always obey traffic rules and regulations.
In Lagos, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) assured that its personnel would complement the police to maintain peace in the communities throughout the festivities.
LNSA’s General Manager, Dr Ifalade Oyekan said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“We also have our patrol, intelligence and surveillance officers working in all local governments and council development areas in the state to ensure the safety of citizens.
“Our officers operate in the community they belong to which makes it easier for them to relate with the people and gather information because they are closer to the grassroots.
“We share intelligence reports with the Police, Nigerian Army and State Security Services (SSS),’’ he said. (NAN)
