From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,850 personnel to guarantee a seamless and secured yuletide celebration in Kogi State.

In a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Aliyu, noted that the Kogi State Commandant of NSCDC, Esther Akinlade, carefully chose these personnel from various units, encompassing the Operations department, Special Rapid response,Agro rangers, Female squad Intelligence, and Critical National Assets Infrastructure departments.

According to the statement, the Commandant emphasized that NSCDC in conjunction with sister agencies, is dedicated to ensure  a crime-free environment in the State before, during, and after the festive period considering the peculiarity of kogi State bordering nine different States including FCT.

“Commandant Akinlade urged the youth to abstain from involvement in any form of social misconduct or unlawful activities that could disrupt law and order as anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law.

“She urged the public to observe the celebrations with moderation and to relay any credible information concerning any form of criminal activities and hideouts to the relevant authority thereby contributing to the preservation of the relative peace prevalent in the state” the statement added.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has given owners of the 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone, A10, Abuja, a fresh two-week ultimatum to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or risk final revocation of their allocation.

This was contained in a statement issued at the weekend, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister reiterated that the primary interest was not for people to lose their lands, but to get them to make necessary payments to the government.

The statement read; “It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees/title holders that were yet to pay for their C-of-O were published.

“Yesterday, notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published.

“Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two weeks grace has been given.

“Consequently, the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment on C-of-O will have till January 3, 2025 to pay, or have their R-of-O titles withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.

“After January 3, 2025, there will be no further extension and withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be final.”

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the weekend revealed that it has concluded arrangements to intensify patrol and surveillance in Abuja.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, stated this while briefing journalists after the monthly security meeting in preparation for the yuletide, in Abuja.

Disu said the committee is intensifying efforts to ensure that the FCT is safe during and after the end of year festivities.

Disu disclosed that joint teams of all the security agencies will embark on clearance operations in the coming days and urged residents not to panic at the sight of the high-power security operatives, adding that specific places have been identified for more deployment.

 He said, “We are intensifying our activities in all the borders. Exit and entry into the FCT. We are synergising with all the neighbouring states and focusing on all the bushes around. The Nigeria Airforce is bringing in their helicopters for surveillance of the identified areas while the Nigeria Army, Navy, NSCDC and Police are ready and already clearing the bushes.

 “You are going to be seeing all of us patrolling together. These are sights not usually seen under normal circumstances. So, you will see us patrol together to ensure we bring peace”.

 He thanked residents for their cooperation while soliciting for their continued support, urging them to report any suspicious person or activity to the security agencies.