Thousands of police personnel are being deployed across the country to protect public places throughout the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Joining them to keep the peace are personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is assigning its own to the highways to ensure safety.
The police are paying attention to shopping malls, motor parks, financial institutions, places of worship and recreation centres to enable holiday makers, worshippers and other Nigerians enjoy optimum safety during the period, according to the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba.
Mba said in a statement in Abuja on Friday that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu assured Nigerians of adequate security before, during and after the celebration.
He said Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of zone and state commands had been mandated to comply with the directive.
Mba also said the IGP directed state Commissioners of Police, including the FCT to put in place strategic and customised security on major highways.
The FPRO said the idea was to ensure adequate safety for travellers and other road users.
“The IGP heartily expresses goodwill to and congratulates all Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah, as they join other faithful all over the world in celebrating this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
“The IGP has reassured the public, especially, worshippers, travellers and all well-meaning citizens that the police will effectively discharge their constitutional responsibility of providing adequate security for all,” he said.
Mba, therefore, urged Nigerians to, at all times, be security conscious and report promptly suspicious moves by individuals or groups to the police or other relevant security agencies.
The Federal Government declared Monday, August 12 and Tuesday, August 13, as public holidays to mark the 2019 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.