By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Coalition for Peace In Nigeria (COPIN) and Iconoclast Media Platform have commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies over “peaceful and violence-free Eid-el Kabir celebrations” across the country.
In separate statements on Sunday, the groups
said actionable intelligence provided by the secret service, and round-the-clock surveillance operations by state operatives, was responsible for the peaceful Sallah holiday.
The statements signed by the National Coordinator of COPIN, Pharm. Emeka Akwuobi, and National Secretary of Iconoclast, Dr. Mayago Mayago, urged members of public to support and cooperate with security and law enforcement agencies, as part of their civic obligations.
They said contemporary security challenges require a whole-of-society approach to resolve, hence the need for citizens to report suspicious activities within and around their domains to appropriate authorities,for prompt action.
“COPIN joins other well-meaning groups and individuals to commend our Military, Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security and law enforcement agencies in our beloved country, for ensuring “peaceful and violence-free Eid-El Kabir celebrations.
“We at COPIN are aware that the DSS, for instance, has never relented in its intelligence-gathering mandate, as demonstrated in the security alert it issued few days to the Sallah holidays to the effect that,criminal elements were planning attacks on soft targets.
“COPIN maintains that the peaceful nature of this year’s Sallah, exemplifies the renewed inter-agency cooperation, as well as synergy among security agencies.
“As a patriotic, non-profit organisation, we encourage Nigerians to always say something whenever they see something, since our law enforcement operatives cannot be everywhere at the same time.
“Again, since criminal elements live and reside in communities, we appeal to patriotic members of the public to identify and report them to security agencies, for the benefit of society and nation”, Akwuobi said.
On his part, Mayago noted: “After days of investigations, we dare say that the Eid-El Kabir holiday, which ended on Thursday, will remain the most peaceful in recent times.
“Across the six geo-political zones, citizens went about their celebrations without fear of attacks, and this was made possible by raid and other forms of operations conducted by our gallant Military and sister security agencies.
“We enjoin all and sundry to give peace a chance by maintaining law and order, cooperating with the various institutions of State to deliver on their mandate, while also praying for the success of governments at all levels”.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
