The Rivers State Police Command has announced the deployment of comprehensive security measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful and crime-free Yuletide season across the state.
In a statement on Saturday, the Command said the initiative is part of proactive efforts to maintain law and order, stressing the importance of collaboration with sister security agencies. Residents were also urged to use the festive period for sober reflection and prayers for the peace and progress of Rivers State and Nigeria.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has approved a robust security architecture involving the deployment of tactical teams to strategic locations. These include entry and exit points, waterways, motor parks, hotels, recreational centres, churches, mosques, and other identified hotspots.
The deployment, the Command said, is intended to enhance visibility policing, strengthen surveillance, and ensure swift response to any security threats during the festive period.
The Commissioner of Police has also directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to fully deploy all operational and intelligence resources within their jurisdictions to guarantee a hitch-free Christmas celebration.
In addition, the Command disclosed that it is intensifying community engagement by working closely with traditional rulers, youth groups, and religious leaders to build trust, encourage public confidence, and promote timely intelligence sharing to prevent potential security breaches.
Parents were advised to closely monitor their children and discourage them from engaging in fireworks and knock-out shooting, warning that such activities pose serious safety risks.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property before, during, and after the festive season, the Police urged residents to secure their homes, remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities, and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.
Members of the public can report incidents to the nearest police station or contact the Command via its control room on 08032003514 or the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 08120822987.
The Rivers State Police Command also extended Christmas goodwill messages to Christians, wishing them a joyful celebration and a prosperous New Year.
