CROSS RIVER: Police Ban Fireworks, Warn Against Illegal Processions, Deploy Officers To ‘Critical Infrastructure’ During Yuletide

By Patrick Obia

The Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has banned all forms of illegal procession; the use of fireworks and has also deployed personnel to critical infrastructure and recreational centers during the yuletide season in the State.

The Command gave the strict warning in a press release signed and made available to Journalists on Friday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officers (PPRO) SP Irene Ugbo, for the Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, directing aggressive vehicular or foot patrols before, during and after the festive season.

The CP warned all potential dealers and users of fireworks (bangers) to desist from illegitimate business ventures, calling on parents/guardians to caution their wards owing to the current security challenges plaguing the nation and State.

CP Grimah while wishing Cross Riverians a hitch-free celebration, reiterated that the command is resolute and will not renege in dealing decisively with hoodlums, political thugs, and all forms of illegal or unapproved processions with a view to breach the peace enjoyed across the State by invoking the extant State and Federal laws accordingly.

The press release reads: “The Cross River State Police Command has mapped out security measures to ensure a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebration in the State.

“The commissioner of police, Cross River State Command, CP Gyogon Augustine Grimah, PSC has charged area commanders, divisional Police officers, and Tactical Commanders to step up policing holistically across the length and breadth of the state. In achieving this task, the command has carried out massive deployment of personnel and tools in critical infrastructures recreational centers and directed aggressive vehicular/foot patrols before, during, and after the festive season.

“Consequently, the CP has warned all potential dealers and users of fireworks (bangers) to desist from illegitimate business ventures. He also cautions parents/guardians to prevent their children or wards from patronizing dealers of all kinds of fireworks with regard to the current security situation nationwide.

“Residents are warned to be wary of some dastardly criminal element that takes delight in robbing unsuspecting members of the public, maiming, harassing with motorcycles within the metropolis and its environs. Meanwhile, the command has launched an onslaught on this daredevil gang(s).

“Furthermore, the command is resolute and will not renege in dealing decisively with hoodlums, political thugs, all forms of illegal or unapproved processions with a view to breach the peace we enjoy across the State by invoking the extant laws of the State and federal laws accordingly.

“While extending his warm greetings to all Christmas faithful on the occasion of Christmas, Calabar Carnival activities and New Year celebrations. To this end, the CP enjoined residents, Community/Youth  Leaders, Traditional institutions, and the Clergies to cooperate with Police Operatives and other security agencies through actionable intelligence, prompt reportage of any suspicious movement(s) with the following helpline:08133568456 in case of any emergency. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”