Quick Summary:
The Edo State Government deploys a multi-agency security strategy involving the Police, NSCDC, Army, DSS, and vigilante groups to safeguard residents, travelers, and tourists during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
As the 2025 festive season reaches its peak, the Edo State Government, in collaboration with multiple security agencies, has rolled out a comprehensive security framework to protect residents, visitors, and travelers across the state.
The proactive initiative, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, integrates high-visibility policing, intelligence coordination, and community-based vigilance to ensure a peaceful and secure Yuletide period.
Enhanced Security & Personnel Deployment
NSCDC Deployment
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 1,200 personnel across Edo’s three senatorial districts to safeguard critical national assets, public spaces, and transport corridors before, during, and after the festive period.
Police Operations
The Edo State Police Command has intensified operations through intelligence-led raids on known criminal hideouts and increased patrols along highways and urban centers to deter kidnapping, robbery, and other crimes common during the holidays.
Joint Show of Force
On December 19, 2025, the Nigerian Army led a 10km joint security road march across Benin City, featuring personnel from the Police, Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Civil Defence. The exercise demonstrated inter-agency unity and tactical readiness to respond to any security threat.
Logistics and Infrastructure Support
Operational Mobility
To enhance rapid response capabilities, the state government recently procured and distributed 20 new patrol vehicles to various security agencies operating within Edo State.
Forest and Boundary Security
Over 300 motorbikes have been distributed to security operatives to improve mobility in forest terrains and border communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to banditry and illegal migration.
Vigilante Groups
The government has lifted the previous ban on the Edo State Vigilante, allowing them to resume community-based operations in close collaboration with federal security forces. This move aims to strengthen grassroots intelligence and local response capacity.
Public Safety and Traffic Measures
Traffic Control
An inter-ministerial task force began full enforcement on December 18, 2025, to clear road obstructions, remove illegal parking, and ensure smooth traffic flow for the high volume of holiday travelers.
Fireworks Ban
The use of pyrotechnics, including “bangers” and “knockouts,” has been strictly prohibited to prevent public panic and false security alerts during the festive period.
High-Profile Clearances
The government has advised high-profile visitors and politically exposed persons to seek security clearance from the Governor’s Office before hosting public events, ensuring that large gatherings do not create security vulnerabilities.
Tourism and Diaspora Assurance
The Edo State Diaspora Agency (EDSDA) and the Edo State Tourism Agency (EDTA) have issued a joint statement assuring that the state remains “safe, vibrant, and fully prepared” to host returnees and tourists throughout the Yuletide.
They emphasized that the enhanced security measures are designed not only to protect lives and property but also to promote confidence among visitors and investors during the festive season.