The state police command in a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwumelie said it has activated Operation Order for safe Easter celebration across the state.
Onwumelie said, “The command has activated an Operation Order, Op-Order placing adequate security measures before, during, and after the Easter celebrations. Officers have been deployed to ensure safety and security across Abia State.
“Regular and special patrols of essential public spaces and roads in Abia state are ongoing as part of many more covert and overt activities to ensure that the Easter celebration is hitch-free”.
He advised all Abians “to be vigilant and security-conscious and to report any form of suspicious activity to the nearest police station”.
Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Commandant, Usman Ishaq Alfadarai assured the people and residents of the state of adequate security of lives and property during the period.
Alfadarai gave the assurance after a quarterly review meeting at the NSCDC headquarters in Umuahia.
He directed Area Commanders, Divisional Officers, and Heads of Tactical Units of the command to be on “Yellow“ and ensure a hitch-free Easter Celebration in the State, disclosing that strategic deployments have been made with special attention to worship and event centers, Motor parks, Malls and other flashpoints.
He said the action is in compliance to the directive of the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi to put in place necessary measures to tackle the envisaged increased pressure on security on one hand and in human and vehicular traffic on the other hand during the Easter celebration in the state.
He, however, charged the personnel to be guided by global best practices in carrying out their assigned duties.
He also warned that disciplinary measures as contained in the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedure ( SOP) will be meted out to those who may go contrary to the rules of engagement.
While felicitating with the Christian faithful as they commemorate the 2024 Easter celebration, Alfadarai enjoined them to emulate the life of sacrifice, peace and love as exemplified by Jesus Christ adding that the period offers a time of sober reflection and prayer for God to heal the land.
He solicited the continuous support of the general public by providing useful information to enable the security agencies to serve them better.