Uncompleted buildings identified as hideouts for criminals, crowded public spaces and critical national infrastructure have become major security focus areas in the Federal Capital Territory as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) mobilised 3,000 personnel ahead of Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
The FCT Command said its personnel had been deployed across the territory to prevent security breaches and protect residents, public facilities and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) before, during and after the anniversary celebrations.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Corps Monica Ojobi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
She said the deployment, ordered by the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, covered volatile locations and potential soft targets, including shopping malls, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, amusement parks and facilities housing critical national assets.
The operation also includes covert surveillance, with the Command’s undercover unit deployed to detect and frustrate threats before they escalate into emergencies.
Ojobi said black spots, particularly uncompleted structures suspected of providing shelter for criminals, were also being subjected to surveillance as part of measures to close potential security gaps across the capital.
The 3,000 personnel were drawn from specialised formations of the Corps, including the Arms Squad, Female Strike Force, Crack Squad, Agro Rangers, CBRNE Unit and Counter-Terrorism Unit.
Odumosu directed Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to maintain heightened security within their respective jurisdictions and ensure that the presence of the Corps was visible throughout the territory.
He charged personnel to remain disciplined, proactive and vigilant while working with other security agencies to protect lives, property and critical government infrastructure.
The Commandant specifically warned officers against harassment and intimidation of residents, accidental discharge and violations of the rules of engagement.
He assured residents of a peaceful Independence celebration, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to security agencies.
Odumosu also warned vandals and other criminals against targeting critical national assets, saying covert operatives and patrol teams had been positioned across the capital to respond to security threats.
“We are ready to ensure the celebration is peaceful,” he said, urging personnel and residents to cooperate in maintaining security across the FCT.
