The Gombe State Police Command on Saturday warned against the sale of knockouts, fireworks, unauthorized use of sirens, covered number plates, and the removal of motorcycle silencers.
Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mahid Abubakar, said the decision is part of the command’s effort to intensify security to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens during the Yuletide celebrations.
He disclosed that the measures were the Commissioner of Police Hayatu Usman’s proactive approach to prevent criminal activities and maintain relative peace for a hitch-free celebration across the state.
The statement partly reads, “In his address during the monthly conference on Thursday, CP Hayatu Usman reiterated the continued ban on the sales and use of fireworks, knockouts, sirens, and the covering of number plates. Public compliance with these measures remains crucial for the overall safety of law-abiding citizens and visitors alike.
“The CP has charged various police officials, including Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, tactical commanders, Mopol commanders, and Divisional Police Officers, to ensure early deployment of their personnel to strategic locations comprising worship centres and other public places.
“The CP directs the officer in charge of the Motor Traffic Division MTD to also ensure early postings of traffic officers across measure roads and busy roads for smooth traffic flow and apprehension of traffic offenders for accident-free celebration. The enforcement of the CP’s directives is paramount.”
Abubakar noted that the CP has stressed the importance of synergy and called on officers to collaborate with other security agencies, community leaders, “and relevant stakeholders for intelligence gathering and information sharing that can aid in preventing and combating crime effectively.
“However, the CP also assures members of the public of the command’s level of preparedness and commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the festive period,” he added.
While emphasising the need for personal safety and security consciousness, the statement urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities to the officers, and cooperate with the officers and other security personnel to create a peaceful and crime-free environment.
“In conclusion, the command is taking proactive measures to enhance security ahead of the Yuletide celebration. Citizens can trust the command’s readiness to provide adequate and timely deployment of security personnel, guaranteeing a safe and peaceful festive period.
“Finally, the CP calls on parents/guardians to be watchful over their children/wards during this festive period and further advises motorists to drive with caution and the good people of the state to be conscious of their security and report any suspicious person or persons within their midst,” Abubakar said.
