Over 57,000 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officers have been deployed nationwide ahead of Easter celebrations. The mobilisation, approved by Commandant General Abubakar Audi, covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Specialised units including the CG's Special Intelligence Squad, Mining Marshals, Special Female Squad and the Crack Squad are on maximum alert. Their duties include protecting critical national infrastructure and maintaining order in churches, shopping centres, parks and recreational areas.
Afolabi Babawale, the Corps' National Public Relations Officer, confirmed the deployment in a statement on Thursday. He said overt and covert operatives would be stationed at high-traffic locations to deter criminal activities. Zonal Commanders, State Commandants and Provosts of NSCDC colleges are to coordinate security operations in their zones. The Corps is collaborating with other security agencies and urged parents to guide their children to prevent involvement in disruptive acts. The public is advised to report suspicious activities to the nearest security unit.
The federal government declared Friday and Monday public holidays for the Easter observance.
Deploying 57,000 officers is a show of force, not a solution to Nigeria's recurring security deficits. Abubakar Audi's directive reveals how normal it has become to flood cities with personnel during holidays rather than fix intelligence gaps or community policing. This pattern offers temporary reassurance but does nothing to stop the next attack outside festive periods. For Nigerians, security remains seasonal, not systemic.
