The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo says it has deployed 1,065 personnel to beef up security in the state during the Eid-Kabir celebration.
The state Commandant of the corps, Hammed Abodunrin, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure on Thursday.
Abodunrin said that the operatives would help to keep surveillance in the 18 Local Government Areas of the state during the festival.
He said that the measure was part of the command’s preparations for adequate security of lives and property of the people.
He said that the operatives would be on ground before, during and after the festival.
According to the state NSCDC boss, the command has a special preparation for the Eid-Kabir celebration.
“This is because there will be a mass movement of people from one place to another.
“There will also be heavy movement of cash and property. Also, criminal elements would upscale their activities to perpetrate crimes during the celebration.
“So, our men are always on the ground to monitor various parts of the state for a peaceful festival. Some of them will be in uniform, while others will be in plain clothes.
“This will help us to get enough information regarding the movements and secure the lives and property of residents,” Abodunrin said.
He admonished the people to be moderate in their celebration by shunning ostentatious displays of wealth.
“It’s not the time to spend lavishly or spray money anyhow at events. People should be wary of those moving around them aimlessly for security reasons.
“I advise people to be vigilant and not wait until something sinister happens. Rather, they should report any suspicious movement to the security agents around them,” Abodunrin said.
He further charged residents to put security measures in place before embarking on any journey.
“Night journeys must also be discouraged so as to avoid attacks by men of the underworld,” he said.
The NSCDC commandant also urged his personnel to be diligent and vigilant at their duty posts.
He said, “As they protect others, they should also protect themselves.”
“If you are not secure, you can not secure anybody. Security personnel should not leave themselves unattended because there is no way you will help a place to grow without growing with it.
“If society is secure, of course, our own family members will be secure too,” Abodunrin said.