The Rivers State Police Command has initiated proactive measures, in synergy with sister security agencies, to ensure a peaceful and crime-free Yuletide across the State.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Grace Iringe Koko, in a statement on Sunday, said the authorities have called on residents of the State to use the season as a period of sober reflection, and offer prayers for the peace and progress of the State and the country.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the implementation of a robust security framework, deploying tactical teams to strategic locations, including entry and exit points of waterways, motor parks, hotels, recreation centres, churches, mosques, and identified hotspots.
The statement read: “This deployment is designed to provide visibility Policing, enhance surveillance, and facilitate rapid response to potential security breaches.
“The CP has further directed all the Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to deploy both operational and intelligence assets at their disposal to effectively Police their Areas of responsibility to ensure a hitch-free celebration.
“The Command is intensifying community engagement through collaborative efforts with traditional rulers, youth organisations, and religious leaders to foster a culture of trust, promote public confidence, and encourage early intelligence sharing. This proactive approach aims to nip potential security threats in the bud and prevent incidents during the festive period.”
The statement added: “In light of the festivities, parents are advised to exercise vigilance and caution their children against engaging in pyrotechnics (fireworks) and knockout shooting, which poses risks.
“The Police Command reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens before, during and after the Christmas celebration, urging residents to secure their homes by ensuring that all doors and windows are properly fastened before retiring for the night, remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to the nearest station, and refrain from disseminating unverified information that could cause unnecessary alarm.”
“Residents can report incidents or concerns to the nearest Police station or utilise the Command’s contact numbers: Control Room: 08032003514 and CRU: 08120822987,” the statement concluded.