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Yuletide: Police tighten security, FG declares holidays
Nigeria Declares Public Holidays and Implements Nationwide Festive Season Security Measures
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared Thursday, December 25, 2025, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations. The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who extended festive greetings to Christians in Nigeria and abroad, as well as all Nigerians marking the year-end period.
Coinciding with the holiday declaration, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets across the country to ensure public safety during the festive season. The directive instructs all zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and state commissioners of police to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement.
Enhanced Police and Specialised Unit Deployment
According to Police Force spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, specialised units such as the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing have been placed on heightened operational readiness. These units are tasked with protecting places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure, and other high-density public areas.
Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic congestion, and accidents. Officers are instructed to maintain a balance of firmness and courtesy in their duties, while sustaining raids on criminal hideouts, flashpoints, and vulnerable areas in collaboration with other security agencies.
State-Level Security Measures
In Kano State, Commissioner of Police Adamu Bakori ordered enhanced security at worship centres and recreational facilities, round-the-clock patrols, traffic management, and bans on car racing, unauthorised horse riding, and fireworks.
Kogi State deployed reinforced personnel along the Lokoja–Abuja highway to ensure road safety amid increased vehicular movement due to ongoing construction and diversions. Similarly, the Sokoto State Police Command launched “Operation Peaceful Celebration 2025”, featuring 24-hour motorised and foot patrols, traffic control, intelligence gathering, and a ban on fireworks and firecrackers.
In Jigawa State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed officers across all 27 local government areas, combining regular operations with specialised units to secure worship centres, public spaces, parks, and markets.
FCT Security Intensification
In Abuja, the FCT Administration intensified security through Operation Sweep, focusing on motor parks, shanties, and other suspected crime hotspots. The operation aims to dismantle illegal motor parks and shanties allegedly used by criminal syndicates, strengthen monitoring of vulnerable locations, and ensure public safety throughout the festive period.
Additionally, 181 beggars were cleared from the streets and placed in rehabilitation programmes, with options for repatriation to their states of origin. The initiative includes profiling, welfare support, and skills training for those willing to participate.
Government Advisory for Safe Celebrations
Minister Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly, remain law-abiding, and cooperate with security agencies. He highlighted the festive season as an opportunity to strengthen unity, show compassion, and renew commitment to nation-building, while encouraging citizens to reflect on love, peace, humility, and sacrifice.
For ongoing updates on security directives, public holiday notices, and festive season advisories, visit www.cjsoftflix.com .
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