The Police has deployed more personnel to selected recreational centres in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance the safety of tourists, visitors and residents.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, a Superintendent of Police, Irene Ugbo gave the hint in a statement issued in Calabar on behalf of the Police Commissioner, Augustine Grimah.
According to Ugbo, the command has also enforced other strategic plans such as the ban on fireworks and matches-wielding cultural displays as well as a ban on commercial motorcycles within the metropolis.
She stated, “To ensure a hitch-free Charismas and New Year celebration in the state, the command has mapped out a few strategies. In fact, the Police Commissioner, Mr.Gyogon Augustine Grimah has charged area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to step up policing holistically across the length and breadth of the state.
“The command has also conducted massive deployment of personnel and tools to secure critical infrastructure and recreational centres. The Police Commissioner, in addition, ordered an aggressive vehicular and foot patrols throughout this festive season and beyond,” Ugbo indicated.
On the use of fireworks, she indicated, “the CP has warned all potential dealers and users of fireworks, referred in the local parlance as bangers, to desist from such illegitimate business venture. He is urging parents and guardians to warn their children or wards against patronizing dealers of all kinds of fireworks.”
The Police Public Relations Officer explained that due to security situation across the country, it had become imperative to restrict the use of fireworks and enforce the ban on knockouts.
Public Cooperation
Ugbo urged residents to be security conscious and report any suspicious person or activity within their immediate vicinity, noting “The command as launched an onslaught on dare devil gangs across the state. The police command will deal decisively with hoodlums, political thugs and any group holding unapproved processions.”
“The command is wishing all law abiding residents, tourists and visitors a warm, happy holiday, colourful Calabar festival and carnival. We are using this opportunity to enjoin our community and youth leaders, traditional institutions and the Clergy to cooperate with police operatives and other security agencies through actionable intelligence, prompt reportage of any suspicious movements through our public help lines.” She added
