December 17, (THEWILL) — No fewer than 400 operatives of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Ogun State Command, are to be deployed across the 20 local government areas of the state to ensure the safety of lives and property during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The State Commander of the VGN, Aare Shola Shodiyan, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the state capital.
According to Shodiyan, the 400 operatives, drawn from the Tactical Squad, will be deployed in joint operations with the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security throughout the festive period.
He said some officers would also be deployed to forest zones to work alongside Forest Guards in safeguarding the forests from hoodlums and criminal elements who may attempt to use the areas as hideouts during the celebrations.
Shodiyan added that the command has been mandated to provide security at churches, mosques, markets, schools, motor parks and other public gathering points across the local government areas to ensure the safety of residents before, during and after the festivities.
“About 400 operatives of the Tactical Squad will be deployed across the 20 local government areas of the state in joint operations with the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
“Officers will also be deployed to forest zones in collaboration with Forest Guards, who have been mandated to secure forest areas across the state.
“We have equally been tasked with safeguarding churches, mosques, markets, motor parks, schools and other public places, particularly those located in secluded areas,” Shodiyan added.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
