Kogi State Police Command has reiterated its total ban on the sale, distribution and use of fireworks, knockouts, bangers and all forms of pyrotechnics across the state ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, announced this on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP William Ovye Aya, and made available to journalists in Lokoja.
CP Kankarofi said the renewed enforcement forms part of the Command’s strategic security measures for the festive season, stressing that the directive, already in full effect, is intended to curb fire outbreaks, injuries, security breaches and other preventable incidents linked to indiscriminate use of fireworks.
The CP warned that individuals or groups found selling, possessing or using fireworks in homes, public spaces, markets or event centres will be arrested and prosecuted.
To ensure compliance, the Command will intensify patrols, surveillance and targeted operations across the state.
The CP urged residents, traders, community leaders and event organisers to obey the directive and cooperate with security agencies, while encouraging the public to report any illegal fireworks activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
