By Juliet Ezeh
Security agencies in Borno State have intensified surveillance and patrol operations across Maiduguri and other parts of the state as Muslims approach the final days of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Borno State Police Command said the move is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents during a period that traditionally witnesses increased religious gatherings and night activities.
In a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the police said additional security deployments have been approved by the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, to strengthen protection around mosques, major roads and public spaces.
According to the command, the last ten days of Ramadan usually attract large crowds for Tafsir sessions, communal Iftar meals and late-night prayers, prompting authorities to adopt proactive measures to prevent security breaches.
Residents were advised to remain alert and report suspicious movements or objects to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency contact lines.
Parents and guardians were also cautioned to closely monitor their children, particularly in crowded areas such as places of worship and public gatherings.
Security officials stressed that public cooperation remains vital in maintaining safety, noting that community members play a crucial role in sharing timely information with authorities.
The heightened security comes amid persistent security concerns in parts of the North-East, where insurgent groups have in the past attempted to exploit large gatherings and periods of increased public movement.
Authorities say the intensified patrols and surveillance operations will continue throughout the remaining days of Ramadan to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for residents observing the religious period.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.