As Osun State prepares for a significant influx of visitors during the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has initiated a major security operation. Commandant Igbalawole Sotiyo announced the strategic deployment of 1,700 personnel to ensure public safety and protect critical infrastructure throughout the festive period and beyond.
This substantial deployment is a proactive response to the predictable security challenges that accompany the yuletide season. Historically, this period sees a dramatic surge in human and vehicular traffic, with residents returning home and tourists visiting the state’s cultural and recreational sites. Such crowded conditions can create opportunities for criminal elements, ranging from petty theft to more organized threats, making reinforced security not just prudent but essential.
The NSCDC’s strategy extends beyond mere numbers. Commandant Sotiyo outlined a multi-layered, intelligence-driven approach designed for maximum effectiveness:
- Intensified Visibility Patrols: A consistent and conspicuous security presence acts as a powerful deterrent to crime. Personnel will be highly visible in public spaces to reassure citizens and discourage unlawful activities.
- Intelligence-Led Operations: Rather than random patrols, deployments are informed by gathered intelligence. This allows the Corps to anticipate potential threats and allocate resources to known flashpoints before incidents occur.
- Rapid Response Teams: Specialized units are on standby to address emergencies promptly. Their quick intervention is crucial for containing situations like disturbances, accidents, or security breaches before they escalate.
The command has issued specific directives to its Area Commanders and Divisional Officers for strategic coverage. Personnel will be stationed at key locations identified as high-traffic or vulnerable areas, including:
- Places of worship (churches, mosques, crusade grounds)
- Major markets and shopping complexes
- Motor parks and transportation hubs
- Recreational centres, parks, and event venues
- Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (e.g., power installations, government buildings)
This operational plan underscores a critical principle in modern security: effective policing is a collaborative effort. The NSCDC is not working in isolation. Commandant Sotiyo emphasized that the command is synergizing with sister agencies—such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). This inter-agency collaboration ensures a seamless security blanket over the state, with shared intelligence and coordinated responses to any incident.
A stern warning was issued to miscreants and criminal elements. The command stated its readiness to “deal decisively” with anyone attempting to disrupt public peace, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for lawlessness during the celebrations.
Finally, the NSCDC’s message includes a vital call for public cooperation. Security is a shared responsibility. Residents and visitors are urged to adopt a posture of “see something, say something.” By remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious persons, unattended items, or unusual activities to the nearest security post, the public becomes an active extension of the security apparatus. This community partnership dramatically increases the eyes and ears on the ground, making the comprehensive security arrangement truly robust.
This large-scale deployment by the NSCDC Osun Command represents a significant investment in preventative security. It aims to create a safe and secure environment where citizens and visitors can freely enjoy the festivities, travel, and commerce that define the season, thereby fostering peace and economic activity across Osun State.
