The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Abdullahi Muhammadu has directed the deployment of 40,000 personnel across the nation to provide maximum security during the Sallah festivity.

Muhammadu revealed this to newsmen during a breaking of fast meeting with the media at his official residence on Saturday in Abuja.

He assured Nigerians that in spite of the uncertain security situation in some parts of the country, adequate preparation was being made to protect critical areas such as places of worship, markets and schools among other soft targets.

He called on citizens to be extra vigilant and security conscious at all times by reporting strange movements and objects to security personnel.

The Corps helmsman noted that the NSCDC was prepared to protect all critical national assets such as telecommunication masts and oil pipelines among others in collaboration with other security agencies.

“In our efforts to fight miscreants and criminal-minded individuals who see festive periods as the time to perpetuate their nefarious activities,

“All hands must be on deck in the areas of intelligence-gathering and reporting all suspicious behaviour to relevant security authorities.”

While felicitating with all Nigerians, especially the Muslims on the Sallah celebrations, he urged them to continue to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence and tolerance at all times.