The Office of the National Security Adviser has written to state governors, calling for heightened security preparedness ahead of the festive season.

ONSA’s communication to the state governors was confirmed in the communiqué issued by the Nigeria Governors Forum at the end of its 7th meeting of 2025, held at its headquarters on Lake Chad Street, Abuja, from Wednesday night to Thursday morning.

The communiqué signed by the NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was read by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun.

In the communiqué, the NGF said it received a communication from the ONSA “calling for heightened security preparedness across all states during the 2025 festive season, due to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and heightened public safety risks.”

The NGF said, “Governors are committed to strengthening interagency coordination, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining a visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe, incident-free festive period nationwide.”

The NGF also noted the outcome of the third edition of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards, held on 12 December 2025, which recognised 13 states for outstanding progress in strengthening PHC systems.

It said, “Yobe State emerged as the national overall winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers, and Osun States topped their respective geopolitical zones; Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun States were the first runners-up. Governors acknowledged that the results reflect the value of sustained political leadership and peer-driven accountability, and committed to building on these gains to further strengthen primary health care delivery nationwide.”

The governors also pledged to ensure the proper and effective use of funds under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Yuletide celebrations, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has deployed 2,202 personnel across the territory to secure places of worship, recreational centres, major highways, motor parks, and other public spaces.

In a statement on Thursday, FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said the deployment forms part of the 2025 festive season operational order.

According to her, police personnel have been stationed at places of worship, recreational and event centres, major highways, motor parks and other public spaces.

She added that the deployments are supported by increased visibility policing and intelligence-led patrols.

“As we gradually transition into 2026, the FCT Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining peace, safety, and public order across the Territory. In furtherance of this mandate, the Command has deployed 2,202 personnel across the FCT in line with the 2025 festive season operational order. This proactive deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure, and hitch-free celebration for all residents and visitors.

“Police personnel have been strategically positioned at places of worship, recreational and event centres, major highways, motor parks, and other public spaces. These deployments are complemented by increased visibility policing and intelligence-led patrols, “ the statement partly read.

She said identified black spots, uncompleted buildings and shanties that could be used by criminal elements are being monitored and, where necessary, raided to prevent criminal activities.

Adeh added that tactical units, rapid response squads and patrol teams have been mobilised, with intensified vehicular and foot patrols across the FCT.

“Identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties that may be exploited by criminal elements are being closely monitored and, where necessary, raided to forestall criminal activities. Tactical units, rapid response squads, and patrol teams are actively engaged, supported by intensified vehicular and foot patrols across the FCT. The Command is also working in close collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure comprehensive and coordinated security coverage throughout the festive period, “ she said.

Similarly, the Kebbi State Police Command announced enhanced security measures across the state ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities.

The deployment covers worship centres, markets, motor parks, recreational areas, major highways, and planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress.

In a statement on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Bashir Usman said the measures are designed to deter criminal activity, safeguard lives and property, and ensure lawful assemblies are not hijacked by miscreants.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report emergencies or suspicious movements to the Police Control Room on 08038797644 or 09015888578. (PUNCH)

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