Defence Headquarters urges Nigerians to be alert in public places
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant in crowded areas, including markets, churches, and other public gatherings, to enhance personal and community safety.
In a statement released on Friday on its X handle, the DHQ advised citizens to promptly report any unusual behaviour or suspicious individuals to the nearest security agency.
The statement encouraged members of the public to maintain situational awareness at all times, noting that public vigilance is key to preventing crime and ensuring security in high-traffic areas.
It urged the public to cooperate with security personnel and take the advisory seriously to help reduce risks and protect communities across the country.
The post read: “Remain alert in crowded places, markets, churches, and public gatherings. Promptly report any unusual behaviour or persons to the nearest security agency. Remember to always maintain situational awareness.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to supporting civil authorities and relevant government agencies in addressing the challenges of refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons across the country.
Shaibu gave the assurance when he received the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Dr. Tijani Ahmed, who was on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS emphasised the strong nexus between security and displacement, noting that lasting solutions to refugee and internally displaced persons’ challenges were closely tied to improved security, stability and effective civil–military cooperation.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army remains fully aligned with national efforts aimed at restoring peace and creating the enabling environment necessary for humanitarian and development interventions to thrive.
He stated that through its ongoing operations across the country, the Nigerian Army continues to prioritise the protection of civilians and ensuring a secure environment that enables the safe return, resettlement and reintegration of displaced persons.
Shaibu assured the commission of the army’s readiness to sustain the support for humanitarian initiatives targeted at restoring dignity, improving livelihoods and enhancing the overall wellbeing of affected populations.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner, Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the COAS for the Nigerian Army’s longstanding support to the commission.
Ahmed recalled the critical role played by the army during previous evacuation and repatriation exercises of Nigerians from Cameroon, which he noted contributed significantly to the success of the operations.
The commissioner further requested sustained collaboration and support from the army as the commission prepares to undertake another similar mission.
He emphasised that effective partnership with the military remains essential not only for operational success, but also for ensuring that humanitarian interventions translate into improved livelihoods, dignity and overall well-being of displaced persons.
In another development, the COAS has urged members of the 38 Regular Course Association of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to remain united and inclusive as they continue to contribute to national development.
He gave the advice when he received members of the association’s Executive Committee, led by Rear Admiral Samuel Agada (rtd).
Shaibu highlighted ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen operational effectiveness, deepen professionalism and enhance troops’ welfare, adding that plans were underway to increase the army’s strength and establish additional depots to better address security challenges across the country.
He urged members of the 38 Regular Course to serve as worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army, leveraging their experience and influence to collaborate with ministries and other stakeholders in tackling national challenges.
