COVID-19: NSCDC deploys 9,500 personnel nationwide

Joseph Inokotong, Abuja

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has directed the deployment of 9,500 personnel across the country to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

This is in line with the Federal Government’s directive on avoiding social gatherings with a view to curbing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

The Corps helmsman who charged the Zonal and State Commanders to be on high alert and ready for the deployment of their personnel to strategic locations, also advised that they should put in place a water tight security arrangement for the citizens within and around their localities.

This is to ensure compliance with the FG’s directive on social distancing, going to Churches, Mosques, recreation centres, shopping malls, open markets, departmental stores among others and congregation of not more than 50 per time in a particular location.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, CDPRO, DCC Emmanuel Okeh said other measures such as “stationing of ambulances on the high ways, and other high risk areas such as the Airports and other designated areas for quick and timely response to emergency situations as well as positioning of Mobile Surveillance Vehicles (MSV) to monitor movement of those with sinister motives has also been put in place.”

He urged personnel to work in synergy with other sister agencies as the Corps will not tolerate any form of sabotage and crisis between the Corps personnel and other sister agencies over issues that could be avoided.

He stressed that partnership and collaboration is very critical amongst various agencies of government at this time as all agencies are working towards a common goal of protecting the society against the spread of the pandemic.

He advised parents to warn their wards to desist from any social gathering and to follow the WHO, Federal Ministry of Health guidelines on safety and precautions with a view to stemming the escalation of the pandemic especially by regularly washing their hands, using sanitizers, avoid hand shake and other body contacts among others.

The NSCDC boss stressed that the Corps is fully ready for the task as necessary precautionary measures have been put in place to protect all the personnel that are to be deployed for the assignment without being infected.