Easter: NSCDC deploys 1,550 officers in Oyo

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,550 personnel to safeguard lives and prevent the vandalism of critical national, state, and local government assets in Oyo State ahead of the Easter celebrations.

The Oyo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Augustine Padonu, gave the directive during the April edition of the Monthly Management Meeting held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the State Command Headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan.

In his address, Commandant Padonu ordered the large-scale deployment of Corps personnel to strategic locations across the state. These include religious worship centres, motor parks, recreational facilities, major road intersections, event centres, markets, and other public spaces to ensure the protection of lives and property, smooth vehicular movement, and the safeguarding of critical national assets and infrastructure.

“As part of the Easter operational plan, a total of 1,550 personnel have been mobilised and deployed across the 33 local government areas of the state. These personnel will operate in shifts to maintain round-the-clock visibility, surveillance, and rapid response capability throughout the holiday period,” he said.

“To bolster the Command’s operations during the festive period, specialised units of the Corps—including the Disaster Management Unit, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Intelligence and Surveillance Team, and the Agro-Ranger Unit—have been deployed across the state to proactively respond to any emerging threats, emergencies, or criminal activities, particularly in vulnerable rural communities, farming settlements, and high-traffic zones.”

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to working closely with other sister security agencies to maintain law and order and prevent any form of disruption or security breach.

“We are fully prepared to secure Oyo State throughout the Easter celebration. I have given clear instructions to all heads of formations to ensure maximum deployment of personnel. Our men will be on the ground and on patrol across the state to ensure that citizens celebrate Easter in peace and safety,” he stated.

The Commandant also appealed to the public to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities.