The Nigerian Police has reminded the general public that the ban on the use of any form of fireworks, commonly known as “bangers” or “knockouts”, still stands.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah, in Abuja on Friday, the police advised “Parents and guardians … to prevail on their children and wards to desist from these acts that are capable of causing tension, fear and apprehension in their neighbourhood.”

Awunah added that anyone caught violating the directive “will promptly be arrested and prosecuted.”

The Police PRO also stated that Police Force has put in place a robust and elaborate security arrangement and Crime Prevention strategies to ensure crime free Christmas celebration nationwide.

He stated that conventional Policemen and the personnel of the specialized units of the Force including the “Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Federal Highway Patrol, Explosive Ordinance Department, the armament unit, Sniffer dogs section, the Marine Police and Police Air wing have been deployed to provide effective security and protection of life and property nationwide during the Christmas.”

Awunah said that visible Police presence is already emplaced on the Highways and Major roads across the country.

He added that Police patrol teams and surveillance squads will also be deployed at places of worship, venues of recreation and other public places throughout the period of the festivities.

The police spokesman urged Motorists, Commuters and other road users to cooperate with Police personnel deployed on the highways and major roads across the country.

He further stated: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni has directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in charge of Zonal and State commands to personally be on ground to supervise the implementation of the Security arrangement for the Christmas celebration in their various commands.

“The Police officers and men are under strict instructions to be very polite and civil but firm in the discharge of their duty during the period,” he added.

Awunah advised police personnel across the country “to observe and respect the diversity and peculiarity of the people, display courage, show compassion and demonstrate professionalism in their interaction and engagement with the citizenry throughout the period of the celebration.”

The statement directed Police Commissioners in all the states of the federation and the FCT “to intensify on the on-going raids of identified criminal hideouts and flash points in their jurisdictions.”

“Adequate security coverage and protection will be given to government installations and infrastructure, with 24 hours, surveillance and patrol of motor parks, points of departure and entrance, shopping malls, business plaza and other private and public facilities in all states of the country and the FCT,” it added.