The Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ,NSCDC and the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, said it has deployed 2,883 Officers and operatives to beef up security and ensure smooth traffic this Easter in Akwa Ibom.
A statement from the state Police Public Relations Offficer, Odiko Macdon made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday said 1,336 officers and men have been mobilized to provide an enabling environment for the celebration.
A similar statement from the state command of the NSCDC endorsed by Command PRO, Mr Ekerette Friday said 1,000 of its personnel have been mobilized to beef up security while the FRSC according to it’s Public Enlightenment Officer, Mr Paul James said 547 operatives including Special Marshalls have been deployed.
According to the Police statement, “the CP felicitates with the Government and all Akwa Ibomites, particularly the Christian Community on the occasion of Easter, while urging the good people of the state to continue to be law abiding and report criminal elements intending to truncate the prevailing peace in the State.
“The Command wishes to assure Residents and Visitors that it will continue to emplace germaine contemporary security strategies to enhance the security of the State.”
The NSCDC statement said the personnel were drawn from the Armed squad, Agro Ranger, Counter Terrorism, Special female squad, Anti-vandal units and the department of Intelligence operations to mount identified hotspots within the state.
The statement read in part, “to achieve a hitch free Easter celebrations, the Akwa Ibom State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commandant Abidemi Majekodunmi has deployed one thousand(1000) personnel to beef up security in the state all through the Easter celebrations and beyond.
“Patrol teams have been constituted to patrol various identified hotspots within the state. Commandant Majekodunmi has also directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and heads of tactical squads to ensure effective policing of their immediate environment, paying attention to public places, worship centres and institutions.”
The FRSC said the measure was to align with the Corps strategic goal of 15% reduction in road traffic crash fatality, and ensure free-flow of traffic for ease of doing business in the state.
“For effective coverage of all critical areas, 11 Patrol Vehicles and 2 Ambulances were also deployed, while arrangement had been made for tow trucks to clear any obstruction during the period.
“To strategically administer her statutory functions, the Command will, in addition to the regular patrol operations, conduct Mobile court session in conjunction with the judiciary, carry out traffic count to determine vehicular volume in relation to various routes of the state, conduct traffic control at gridlock areas, deploy standby rescue team for rescue operation when the need arises and conduct Breathalyzer test to ascertain blood alcohol concentration of drivers during patrol operation and at the motor parks.” It said.
