The Police Command in Edo on Friday said it had deployed 3,000 personnel to help ensure protection of lives and property during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Kontongs Bello, and made available to newsmen in Benin.
Bello said the measure was to ensure a peaceful and a hitch-free celebration by Christian faithful in the state.
“The Police Command wishes to felicitate with all Christian faithful in the state during the Christmas celebration and general public during the New Year celebration.
“In light of the celebrations, the police command has put in place adequate security measures by deploying over 3,000 personnel to ensure the security of lives and property.
“We have massively deployed officers and men to churches, event centres and all security flash points across the state to ensure a peaceful and a hitch-free celebration before, during and after the festive period”, he said.
The PPRO also said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Phillip Ogbadu, had directed that all vehicular patrol teams were to regularly conduct systematic stop-and-search without any form of road block.
“The CP also directed that attentions should also be focused on private vehicles with tinted glasses, covered number plates, those without number plates and revolving lights often used by criminals.
“Personnel conducting stop-and-search must also refrain from extorting money from motorists as severe sanction awaits anyone caught in the act.
“Ogbadu wishes all Christians Merry Christmas and a happy New Year celebration.”
Bello said that the CP encouraged everyone to follow the COVID-19 protocols in all churches and event centres.
“He also urged them to be security conscious and call on the Command’s Control Room in time of distress through the following telephone numbers: 08037646272, 08123827225, 08056776365 and 0807777372,” Bello said.
