Nigerians have been reassured by the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) that there will be increased security measures throughout the country during the Christmas season. The DHQ has announced the deployment of additional troops, special forces, and aviation assets to deter attacks and ensure a peaceful celebration. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Michael Onoja, Director of Defense Media Operations, provided the guarantee.
According to Mr. Onoja, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have stepped up operations in the nation's designated critical locations while collaborating closely with other security agencies.
He claims that special forces units and air support elements have been put on high alert to ensure a prompt response to any emergent threat, while troops have been redeployed to key roads and critical places.
Mr. Onoja stated, "The Armed Forces have implemented strong and proactive measures aimed at preventing attacks during the Christmas festivities."
In order to trace the movements and communication patterns of suspected criminal and terrorist organizations, he continued, surveillance operations had also been greatly increased, including improved aerial monitoring and intelligence collection.
He stated that to increase early warning and response, unit commanders in every theater of operation had been instructed to bolster patrols, create reinforced checkpoints, and deepen cooperation with local vigilante organizations, state security agencies, and community leaders.
Mr. Onoja emphasized that national security and stability have continued to be the military's top priorities and restated the Armed Forces' unwavering commitment to defending the lives and property of all Nigerians.
"Every necessary step is being taken as we approach this festive period to ensure that Nigerians celebrate Christmas in peace, unity, and joy," he declared.
However, Mr. Onoja emphasized that public collaboration was still essential to the success of current security operations, asking people to remain composed but vigilant and to report suspicious activity to the closest security formation as soon as possible.
He promised that all publicly submitted material would be handled promptly and discreetly.
The Chief of Defense Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, sent a kind greeting to Nigerians via the defense spokesperson, wishing them a happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful New Year.
Throughout the holiday season, he urged the public to support security agencies by providing timely information and abiding by security recommendations.