The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have announced the deployment of 2,860 personnel across the state to ensure safety during the Easter celebrations.
The agencies said the move is aimed at maintaining security before, during, and after the festive period.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, and the FRSC Sector Commander, Cyril Zango Mathew, disclosed this in separate statements made available to journalists on Thursday in Benin City.
According to the NSCDC, 2,000 personnel have been mobilised from specialised units, including the Armed Squad, Female Special Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, Disaster Management Unit, and the Commandant’s Monitoring Team.
The operatives have been strategically positioned across the three senatorial districts, covering key locations such as markets, recreational centres, highways, worship centres, and other vulnerable areas.
The Commandant said the deployment is part of proactive efforts to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration, particularly for Christian faithful observing the season.
“All Area Commanders and Divisional Officers have been directed to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering, and implement proactive security measures within their respective jurisdictions”, he said.
He added that the command would work closely with other security agencies to ensure effective coverage and swift response to emergencies.
Ayinla also congratulated Christian faithful on the completion of the Lenten season, urging them to celebrate responsibly and abide by the law.
He warned individuals with criminal intentions to stay away from the state, assuring that the Corps is prepared to respond decisively to any threats to peace and security.
The command further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of residents.
On its part, the FRSC said it has deployed 860 personnel, comprising 510 regular marshals and 350 special marshals.
The Sector Commander, Cyril Mathew, added that operational assets, including 18 patrol vehicles, two heavy-duty trucks, three ambulances, and two power bikes, have been positioned to cover all parts of the state.
He explained that, in line with directives from the Corps Marshal, the Edo Sector Command has commenced a special Easter patrol aimed at reducing road traffic crashes during the period and beyond.
The operation, which began on April 1, is expected to run until April 8, 2026.
Mathew noted that personnel will focus on offenses such as excessive speed, dangerous driving, improper overtaking, tyre violations, lane indiscipline, road obstruction, use of mobile phones while driving, overloading, and unsafe transport of passengers, animals, and goods.
