•Seeks community participation in Ebonyi

From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe, Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the deployment of 786 personnel across Gombe State to provide security during Christmas, New Year and other end of the year celebrations.

In a statement, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the corp, SC Buhari Saad said the deployment, approved by the State Commandant, Jibrin Idris, will run from December 25, 2025, to January 1, 2026.

He explained that as contained in an operational directive issued by the Commandant, the officers will be stationed at churches, public places and other strategic locations across the state to prevent security breaches and protect lives and property during the festive period.

The directive assigns Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and tactical units to maintain security around places of worship, residential areas and key infrastructure, including public and private assets.

The NSCDC said the operation is aimed at supporting law and order and ensuring uninterrupted celebrations, particularly during church services and other public gatherings associated with the season.

The command also said it would work with other security agencies to strengthen surveillance and respond swiftly to any emerging threats during the period.

Speaking on the deployment, Commandant Idris said the safety of residents and visitors remains a priority, urging the public to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities.

He advised residents to remain vigilant throughout the festivities, noting that security agencies alone cannot guarantee safety without public support.

The NSCDC provided emergency contact lines for residents to report security concerns or seek rapid response during the celebrations.

Gombe State has recorded increased movement and public activities during the Christmas and New Year period, prompting heightened security presence by law enforcement agencies across the state.

Meanwhile the corps in Ebonyi State has called for community participation to strengthen security in the state.

The corps said security should not be left to security agencies alone.

Francis Nnamdi, state  Commandant of the NSCDC, made  the call at the NSCDC headquarters in Abakaliki,during the decoration of Chief Collins Eneh as the 2nd Patron of the civil defence community, Ebonyi state.

He said knowing one’s neighbour remains a critical step to preventing crime.

“When you know your neighbour, you know how safe you are. Security begins from awareness. If you see something, say something to the right authority,” Nnadi said.

He explained that the Civil Defence Community initiative was created to give a voice to ordinary citizens, particularly rural dwellers, farmers and vulnerable groups who are often victims of repeated attacks but lack access to power or resources.

“We are taking security to those without a voice  villagers, farmers, people attacked day in, day out. There is nothing like peace, and peace comes when everyone joins hands,” he added.

The commandant also disclosed that the NSCDC has been assigned additional responsibilities, including enhanced VIP protection, assuring residents that the corps remains competent, trained and capable of delivering on its mandate.

According to him, the achievements recorded by the Ebonyi Command were made possible through collaboration with other security agencies, community leaders and the state government.

“As a command, we came to reform and reinvigorate the NSCDC in Ebonyi. Today, I can confidently say the command is among the best, thanks to collective effort,” he said.

In his submission,Mmesoma Egwu,Chairman of the Civil Defence Community, described the initiative as a platform for the common man to actively participate in security matters and demand accountability from law enforcement agencies.

He noted that since its launch in March, the group has organised security summits involving the DSS, police, military, immigration, customs and road safety agencies, allowing citizens to ask questions and seek clarifications on security operations.

Eneh,  the newly installed 2nd patron said the honour presented an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building lasting security in Ebonyi State and the wider South-East region.