The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had deployed 40,000 personnel across the country to provide maximum security during the Sallah festivities.

This is contained in a statement signed by Emmanuel Okeh, the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, Abdullahi Gana, the Commandant General of the Corps, directed the deployment of the 40,000 personnel to ensure adequate peace and safety.

He assured Nigerians that adequate preparation was being made to protect critical areas such as places of worship, markets and schools and other soft targets during the period.

He called on citizens to be extra vigilant and security conscious at all time by reporting strange movements and objects to security personnel.

“The Corps is prepared to protect all critical national assets such as telecommunication masts and oil pipelines among others in collaboration with other security agencies.

“In our efforts to fight miscreants and criminal-minded individuals who see festive periods as the time to perpetuate their nefarious activities, all hands must be on deck.

“Most especially in the areas of intelligence-gathering and reporting all suspicious behaviour to relevant security authorities,’’ the NSCDC boss was quoted as saying.

While felicitating with all Nigerians, especially the Muslims on the Sallah celebrations, he urged them to continue to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence and tolerance at all time.

(NAN)