Eid kabeer celebration: Police, NSCDC, FRSC, others to deploy 8,550 officers in Kwara

By Ahmed Ajikobi

To ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration, no fewer than 9,550 security men will be deployed across Kwara State, with the larger concentration expected in Ilorin, the state capital.

This was gathered yesterday when our reporter spoke with various security agencies on their plans for the Sallah celebration.

When contacted on the telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi said all the command officers will be deployed to ensure safety of lives and property during the Sallah celebration and Durbar festival.

Okasanmi however urged Kwarans not to politicise the Durbar festival or partake in any criminal activity. “People should not make use of the day to perpetrate any criminal activity, as anyone caught in any nefarious act will face the wrath of the law,” the PPRO said.

Similarly, the Kwara State Command of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), said it will be deploying 5,000 of its men for the celebration.

The Director Intelligence of VGN in the state, Saka Ibrahim said, 200 men would be deployed to the Eid ground and another 100 will be deployed to the Emir’s Palace while the others will be positioned in strategic areas of the state.

According to the sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara state command, Ade Ogidan in his office ,1,550 officers will be deployed for the celebration.

The command has started the safety activities which will begin from 26th and the activities will end up July first.

Giving more details, Ogidan said 950 officers, 500 non-uniform special marshal will be deployed across the State.

“ 100 First respondent officers will be deployed to villages along expressways.

40 patrol vehicles, four ambulances,170- ton two trucks station along Ilorin/ Jebba.

“ Four private toll trucks will be also available to tow any vehicles that obstruct the roads. This is to ensure free flow of vehicles in the state. Power bikes will also be moving around for situation report.

“ We will start aggressive public enlightenment. We will move from motor park to park. We will organize a mega rally at Maraba garage. All other garage unions will be invited. All the other sister agencies we also invited to the event.

“ We pray for all our activities to be successful and crash free.

“We have identified traffic flash points within Ilorin and other parts of the state, and we will ensure that they are effectively manned, with other security agencies.

In the same vein, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Ayeni Olasunkanmi said that the command will be deploying over 2000 of its men across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State.

He urged members of the public to go about the Sallah celebration lawfully, as the command will not condone any breakdown of law and order.