The federal government has announced the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October.
The cancellation was communicated via a statement issued on Monday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to Government of Federation, Segun Imohiosen.
The statement stated that, while the cancellation was in no way a diminishment of the significance of the milestone anniversary, the federal government remained committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm.
It stated that all other programmes scheduled for the Independence Anniversary would remain in effect.
The statement conveyed government’s deep regrets of any inconvenience caused by the cancellation.
“The federal government appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in making Nigeria a greater nation,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered the deployment of 4500 Personnel across the nooks and crannies of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebration
A statement on Monday by the Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command of the NSCDC, Monica Ojobi, stated that the order was issued by the Command’s Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu.
She noted that, “The deployment is in a bid to ensure security of lives and property as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in the FCT and it’s environs before, during and after the celebration.”
She revealed that the deployment of officers and men cuts across specialised departments and units such as Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adakasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosives(CBRNE).
She said: “There is also massive deployment to vulnerable locations and soft targets such as Shopping Malls, Recreational Centres, prayer grounds, Markets, Motor Parks, Amusement parks, City Gate, 3 Arms Zone, government buildings and areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.
“In a bit to ensure proactiveness and prevent emergency or unforeseen circumstances, men of our under cover unit have already been deployed for covert operations and surveillance.
“Black spots like uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals are also covered to avert security breeches.”
