The Defence Headquarters has said that measures have been put in place to prevent attacks during the Christmas festivities across the country.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Micheal Onoja, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified operations in identified vulnerable areas.
According to him, additional troops have been deployed to strategic locations and routes, while special forces units and air support elements have been placed on high alert to enable rapid response.
“The DHQ wishes to inform the public that robust and proactive measures aimed at preventing any attacks during the Christmas festivities have been emplaced.
“The AFN, working closely with other security agencies, have intensified operations across identified vulnerable areas. Additional troops have been deployed to strategic locations and routes while special forces units and air support elements have been placed on high alert to ensure rapid response capability,” the statement partly read.
He also said surveillance activities, including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering, have been heightened to track the movement and communication of suspected criminal groups.
Onoja noted that unit commanders have been directed to strengthen patrols, establish fortified checkpoints, and maintain close collaboration with community leaders, local vigilante groups, and state security formations.
“Furthermore, surveillance efforts—including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering—have been heightened to track the movement and communication patterns of suspected criminal groups.
“Unit Commanders in all areas have been directed to strengthen patrols, establish fortified checkpoints, and maintain close collaboration with community leaders, local vigilante groups, and state security formations,” he said.
He added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to protecting lives and property, stressing that national security and stability remain a top priority as citizens prepare to celebrate Christmas.
Onoja also called for public cooperation, urging citizens to remain calm but vigilant and to report suspicious activities to the nearest security formations.
“However, citizens’ cooperation remains a critical component of national security, and we assure you that all reports will be treated with urgency and confidentiality.
We urge citizens to remain calm but vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation. Public cooperation remains vital in ensuring the success of ongoing operations.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, wishes all citizens a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance. You are requested to disseminate this information to the public,” he added.
PUNCH Online had reported on December 13 that a humanitarian organisation, Equipping The Persecuted, raised the alarm over what it described as a plot to kill many people in some northern communities on Christmas Day.
