The holiday declaration coincides with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets nationwide to ensure security during the festive season. In Kogi State, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, deployed reinforced police personnel along the Lokoja–Abuja highway to ensure public safety, traffic control, and prevention of accidents. The Sokoto State Police Command launched “Operation Peaceful Celebration 2025,” involving massive personnel deployment, enhanced patrols, traffic control, and intensified intelligence gathering. “Places of worship, public utilities, and vulnerable areas are being protected, with major entry and exit routes manned for surveillance,” the statement noted. The minister further advised citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious, and moderate in celebrations, and to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive season.

Source: Punch December 23, 2025 04:38 UTC