The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the swift deployment of 28,300 tactical operatives to provide adequate security and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure across States of the federation during the Yuletide.

Spokesman of the Corps, Afolabi Babawale, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Dr Audi charged all Zonal and State Commandants to step up and advance their intelligence expertise, warning that vandalism of critical infrastructure in any formation would not be tolerated.

“The NSCDC remains the lead agency in the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the federation, this is our statutory mandate and must not be comprised; all hands must be on deck as we approach end of the year.

“You are aware that criminally minded persons often take advantage of festive seasons to perpetrate their nefarious activities. I therefore charge you to brighten your Eagle eyes and reinvigorate your Intelligence tactics as this would make you more proactive than reactive”, he was quoted as saying.

The CG further hinted that the operatives deployed were drawn from all crack squads, special forces, intelligence, Anti-vandal and operations department.

He noted that all identified flash points would be closely monitored, adding that recreational centres, religious gatherings, motor parks, amusement parks, shopping malls and other areas of importance would not be left out.