By Emmanuel Bello
The police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have expressed commitment to ensure a peaceful, secure, and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations for Edo people.
The security agencies made the remark in Benin City, while addressing newsmen on their preparations for the yuletide.
Addressing newsmen on security measures being put in place for the protection and safety of members of the public, Edo State commissioner of police, Mr. Monday Agbonika stated that the state Police Command has significantly strengthened security across the State through intensified visibility policing, strategic patrols, targeted stop-and-search operations, intelligence-led deployments, and sustained community engagement.
According to him, the measures were designed to deter criminal activities, inspire public confidence, and guarantee the safety of residents and visitors throughout the festive period.
The police commissioner pointed out that he personally led his men on a clearance Operation to Edo North, in fulfilment of their commitment to deny criminal elements access to forests and other ungoverned spaces before, during and after the festive season.
“The operation featured the coordinated deployment of ground troops alongside aerial assets, ensuring comprehensive operational coverage.
“The clearance operation which spanned from Saturday, 14th December to Saturday, 20th December, 2025 will be sustained. It was executed through a robust inter-agency collaboration involving the Nigerian Army Mechanized 4 Brigade, NAF 107 Air Maritime Group, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Forest Guards, local Vigilante groups and hunters. This joint approach underscores our collective resolve to confront and neutralize security threats in the state, decisively,” he stated.
While urging Edo people to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies, Mr. Agbonika warned against the disturbing trend of disappearance of corpses from some morgues within Edo State.
“Such acts are criminal, inhuman, a callous and gross violation of the sensitivity of the bereaved, and | assure the public that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law without exception.
I also advise families and those in need of mortuary services to patronize government-owned mortuaries where proper oversight and accountability are guaranteed.
,” the police commissioner further stated.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, has approved the deployment of 1,200 personnel across the state to ensure robust security during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr. Efosa Ogbebor told Radio Nigeria that the personnel, drawn from specialised tactical and operational units have been strategically positioned across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He stated: “The deployment is designed to guarantee a peaceful and secure environment for residents and visitors throughout the Yuletide.
“Operatives have been stationed at places of worship, prayer grounds, event and recreational centres, major highways, markets and other vulnerable locations across the state.”
The command’s spokesperson quoted the commandant as warning criminal elements to steer clear of Edo State, stressing that the corps will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone found breaching the law.
“The NSCDC remained committed to working with other security agencies to ensure uninterrupted celebrations,” Ogbebor stated.
He also urged residents to be vigilant and law-abiding, calling for timely reports of credible information to security agencies to aid crime prevention and swift response.
The Edo State Police Commissioner and the state commandant of the NSCDC wished christians in the state a Merry Christmas and extended the goodwill to all residents.
