The Defence Headquarters Christmas security plan deploys troops, air support and surveillance to prevent attacks nationwide during festivities

The Defence Headquarters, led by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, has announced the deployment of reinforced security measures nationwide to prevent attacks during the Christmas festivities.

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In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the military, working with other security agencies, had intensified operations in vulnerable locations to ensure a peaceful celebration.

Major General Onoja said additional troops had been deployed to strategic routes and flashpoints, while special forces units and air support elements were placed on high alert to enable swift response to any emerging threats.

He added that surveillance activities had been significantly heightened, including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering, to track the movements and communication of suspected criminal groups.

According to the statement, unit commanders across operational theatres have been instructed to strengthen patrols, establish fortified checkpoints, and deepen cooperation with community leaders, local vigilante groups and state security formations.

The Defence Headquarters stressed that protecting lives and property remains a top priority, describing the measures as a decisive step to safeguard national security during the festive period.

Major General Onoja urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security efforts by promptly reporting suspicious activities, assuring that all reports would be treated with urgency and confidentiality.

He also conveyed Christmas and New Year goodwill messages from the Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, and encouraged wide public dissemination of the advisory.

Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command announced enhanced security arrangements for the Yuletide season, with tactical units deployed to waterways, motor parks, recreation centres and other identified hotspots across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the initiative forms part of a comprehensive security framework aimed at visible policing, improved surveillance and rapid response to threats.

She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had directed area commanders and divisional officers to ensure strategic deployments in collaboration with sister agencies and community stakeholders.

Iringe-Koko said the police were also strengthening community engagement with traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to encourage early intelligence sharing and prevent incidents.

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Both the military and the police reaffirmed their commitment to a safe and orderly festive season, urging residents to take personal precautions and cooperate fully with security agencies.