THE Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has formally alerted state governors across the country to intensify security preparations ahead of the 2025 festive season, citing increased population movement, large public gatherings and heightened public safety risks.
The development was confirmed in a communiqué issued by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) at the end of its 7th meeting of 2025, held from Wednesday night into Thursday morning at the forum’s secretariat on Lake Chad Street, Abuja.
The communiqué obtained by News Point Nigeria, signed by NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was read to journalists by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun.
According to the NGF, the ONSA’s communication called for “heightened security preparedness across all states during the 2025 festive season,” stressing the need for proactive measures in response to the surge in travel, religious activities, entertainment events and social gatherings typical of the period.
“The Forum received a communication from the Office of the National Security Adviser calling 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 communiqué stated.
The governors, under the NGF platform, pledged to strengthen interagency coordination and deploy visible security assets to identified flashpoints to ensure a peaceful celebration nationwide.
“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 added.
Beyond security, the NGF also reviewed the outcome of the third edition of the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards, held on December 12, 2025, where 13 states were recognised for progress in strengthening primary health care delivery.
According to the forum, Yobe State emerged as the national overall winner, while Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers and Osun States topped their respective geopolitical zones. Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa and Ogun States emerged as first runners-up.
Governors agreed that the results underscored the importance of political leadership and peer accountability and pledged to consolidate the gains recorded in the health sector.
The NGF also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the proper and effective utilisation of funds under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme.
Meanwhile, security agencies have already begun implementing the festive season directives across the country.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Police Command has deployed 2,202 personnel to secure worship centres, recreational facilities, highways, motor parks and other public spaces.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said the deployment forms part of the Command’s 2025 festive season operational order.
“As we gradually transition into 2026, the FCT Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining peace, safety, and public order across the Territory. In furtherance of this mandate, the Command has deployed 2,202 personnel across the FCT,” Adeh said.
She explained that officers have been strategically stationed at churches, mosques, event centres, highways and transport hubs, supported by visibility policing and intelligence-led patrols.
Adeh added that identified black spots, uncompleted buildings and shanties that could be exploited by criminal elements are under close surveillance and, where necessary, are being raided to prevent criminal activity.
“Tactical units, rapid response squads and patrol teams are actively engaged, supported by intensified vehicular and foot patrols across the FCT. The Command is also working closely with sister security agencies to ensure comprehensive and coordinated security coverage throughout the festive period,” she said.
Similarly, the Kebbi State Police Command announced enhanced security measures across the state ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said the deployment covers worship centres, markets, motor parks, recreational areas, major highways and locations linked to planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
According to him, the measures are aimed at deterring crime, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring that lawful assemblies are not hijacked by criminal elements.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or emergencies to the police through the Control Room lines 08038797644 or 09015888578.
Security agencies nationwide have continued to reassure citizens of their readiness to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free festive season across Nigeria.