Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has urged state governors to tighten security as the festive season approaches.
The advice was shared with governors through the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and confirmed in a communiqué issued after the forum’s 7th meeting of 2025 in Abuja.
The communiqué was signed by the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and read by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
According to the NGF, the NSA urged states to prepare for possible security risks linked to increased travel, large public gatherings and holiday celebrations.
The forum said the message from the Office of the National Security Adviser called for “heightened security preparedness across all states during the 2025 festive season, due to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and heightened public safety risks.”
The governors said they were ready to act on the warning.
“Governors are committed to strengthening interagency coordination, protecting critical infrastructure, and maintaining a visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe, incident-free festive period nationwide,” the communiqué stated.
During the meeting, the governors also discussed health issues. Thirteen states were honoured at the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards held on December 12, 2025.
Yobe State emerged overall winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers and Osun topped their zones. Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa and Ogun came second.
The governors agreed that the results showed “the value of sustained political leadership and peer-driven accountability” and promised to improve primary health care services further.
They also pledged to ensure proper use of funds under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has deployed 2,202 officers across Abuja for the holidays. Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh said the move is part of the 2025 festive season security plan.
“As we gradually transition into 2026, the FCT Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining peace, safety, and public order,” she said.
“This proactive deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure, and hitch-free celebration for all residents and visitors.”
She explained that officers have been posted to churches, mosques, event centres, highways, motor parks and other public places, supported by patrols and intelligence operations.
Adeh added that police are watching black spots, abandoned buildings and shanties that criminals could use.
“These areas are being closely monitored and, where necessary, raided to forestall criminal activities,” she said.
In Kebbi State, the police also announced tighter security ahead of Christmas and New Year. Police spokesman SP Bashir Usman said the deployment covers worship centres, markets, motor parks, highways and planned protests.
He said the measures are meant “to deter criminal activity, safeguard lives and property, and ensure lawful assemblies are not hijacked by miscreants.”
Residents were urged to stay alert and report suspicious movements to the police.
NSA tasks Governors, police on special security
