Mohammed Alli, the commissioner of police for Delta State, has directed the widespread deployment of officers and patrol teams around the state to curtail criminal activity throughout the holiday period.
DSP Bright Edafe, the public relations representative for the Delta State Police Command, said this on Wednesday.
In a statement released in Asaba, the state capital, Edafe said the action was intended to guarantee a crime-free Christmas and New Year's celebration.
He said: “This is to provide adequate security before, during and after the Christmas and new year celebrations and to ensure the protection of lives and property in the state.
“The CP has equally directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Commanders to deploy men to all venues of the celebrations and other resort centres to avoid mischief makers causing any form of mayhem to citizens.
“In line with the above, police patrol teams have been drawn from Dragon Patrol, Safer Highways, Quick Response Squad, Rapid Response squad, and Eagle-Net Special Squad for this purpose.”
The police image maker disclosed that traffic control at the River Niger Bridge Head had equally been taken care of as both police personnel and traffic wardens had been deployed for traffic control.
According to him, the Divisional Police Officers in charge of the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Divisions, Asaba and the State Traffic Officer have been tasked with working with other security agencies to ensure a free traffic flow.
Edafe also said the CP had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to organise continuous “Operation show of Force” from Tuesday to December 24 in all parts of the state.
He stated that the operation would be supervised by the eight Area Commanders in the state to ensure a hitch-free yuletide season.
He added: “The CP, therefore, urges public members to be law abiding and continue to support the police in the fight against crime and criminality in the state.
“He equally wishes to assure all residents of the command’s commitment in providing security, maintenance of law and order, protection of lives and property at all times.”