As Nigerians prepare for the Christmas and New Year festivities, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has urged residents of the state to collaborate closely with the Police and other security agencies to ensure a safe and crime-free festive season.
In a goodwill message to the people of Kogi State, the Police Commissioner emphasized that collective vigilance and responsible behaviour are critical to maintaining peace during the celebrations.
He advised residents to remain cautious and alert, particularly by being wary of unfamiliar individuals loitering around homes, business premises, and public places, and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated control room lines.
CP Kankarofi further warned against engaging in or tolerating illegal gatherings, cult-related activities, or reckless conduct, stressing that the festive atmosphere should not be used as an excuse to disrupt public order or compromise security.
The Police Commissioner also offered safety tips to travellers, urging motorists to drive responsibly, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, obey traffic rules, and avoid picking up strangers.
He advised travelers to inform family members of their routes and remain mindful of pedestrians, especially children and the elderly.
To strengthen grassroots security, CP Kankarofi encouraged residents to activate neighbourhood watch initiatives and work closely with community leaders and Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) members.
CP Kankarofi also advised homeowners to avoid leaving their houses unattended, install security lighting, and inform trusted neighbours when travelling.
Commending the people of Kogi State for their resilience and law-abiding nature, the Commissioner expressed confidence that adherence to these safety measures would help protect families, markets, churches, and road users throughout the festive period.
“With these simple precautions, we will safeguard our communities and ensure that Christmas remains a season of hope, peace, and security,” he said, adding that timely information from the public remains vital in preventing crime.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP William Ovye Aya, in a statement on Saturday, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to working with citizens to make Kogi State safe during Christmas and beyond.
