The Ondo State Police Command has announced a ban on the sale and use of fireworks across the state during the 2025 Yuletide season, citing growing insecurity and the need for tighter safety measures during the festive period. The directive was issued by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, during his weekly lecture and briefing with officers and men of the command.
The police chief explained that the ban is part of a broader security strategy in response to national concerns about rising criminal activities, including attacks disguised as celebrations. The ban, he said, aligns with ongoing security assessments across the country and is aimed at preventing criminals from taking advantage of the festive atmosphere.
Lawal noted that fireworks, commonly used during Christmas and New Year celebrations, often create panic among residents and can be used by criminals to cover their movements. He said such loud explosions confuse citizens, making it difficult for security personnel to differentiate between harmless firecrackers and actual gunshots.
“Fireworks can cause unnecessary panic and may be exploited by criminals to mask their activities,” he warned. “We must take all precautions necessary to ensure a peaceful celebration across the state.”
Over the years, security agencies in Nigeria have frequently placed similar restrictions during festive seasons, especially in times of heightened tension. Fireworks have also been known to cause injuries, fires, and fear among vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children.
Beyond the concern over fireworks, the Commissioner also raised alarm about an emerging trend of false alerts and staged kidnapping incidents in the state. According to Lawal, some individuals now fake abductions to extort money from family members, friends, or employers.
He described the practice as dangerous, irresponsible, and capable of undermining genuine security efforts. False alarms often waste the time and resources of security agencies, making it harder for them to respond to real emergencies.
Lawal issued a stern warning to those involved, stressing that the command will deal decisively with anyone found to be staging kidnappings or raising fake distress calls. He said such acts not only create fear but also distract police officers who are already working under pressure due to increased security demands during the festive period.
“We will clamp down strongly on anyone involved in these criminal acts,” he said. “People must understand that such behaviour endangers others and affects the deployment of security resources.”
As part of security preparations for Christmas and New Year, the Commissioner ordered intensive patrols across the state. He directed officers to conduct aggressive stop-and-search operations, particularly in areas identified as black spots. These locations often serve as hideouts for criminals or points where robberies and other crimes occur.
The police command also plans to deploy covert operatives across major towns and highways in Ondo State. These undercover officers will gather intelligence, monitor suspicious activity, and ensure rapid response to emerging threats.
Lawal said the goal is to anticipate potential dangers before they escalate. Intelligence-led operations, he noted, remain the most effective way to prevent crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, and cult-related violence.
The Police Commissioner assured residents, visitors, and travellers that the state remains safe, adding that security agencies have put adequate measures in place to protect lives and property. He encouraged the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers by providing useful information and reporting suspicious activities.
He reminded citizens that security is a collective responsibility and urged them to follow safety guidelines during the festive period. This includes avoiding late-night travel, securing their homes, and maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
Lawal further advised motorists to exercise restraint, avoid reckless driving, and obey traffic regulations. Festive seasons typically see an increase in road traffic and accidents due to heavy travel and celebrations.
Nigeria has experienced varying levels of insecurity over the past decade, with kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery reported across several states. Ondo, like other states in the Southwest, has seen its share of security challenges, ranging from armed attacks on highways to clashes between farmers and herders, cult violence, and isolated kidnapping incidents.
During festive seasons, these threats often rise as people travel long distances, carry cash, and engage in night-time celebrations. As a result, police commands in many states adopt strict measures to maintain order and prevent criminals from exploiting the holiday season.
Fireworks bans are common in states such as Lagos, Oyo, and Abuja during periods of high tension. Security experts say the restrictions help police identify real danger signals and prevent criminals from staging attacks under the cover of loud holiday explosions.
The Ondo State Police Command appealed to residents to take the fireworks ban seriously and avoid the temptation of buying or using firecrackers during the festive season. Lawal stressed that the police will enforce the ban and arrest defaulters.
He encouraged parents to talk to their children and warn them against using fireworks, which are often sold illegally through street hawkers. Many of these products are unsafe, poorly packaged, or imported without proper checks.
“As we celebrate, we must also prioritise safety,” he said. “Our collective actions will determine whether we have a peaceful or troubled holiday season.”
With the festive season fast approaching, the Ondo State Police Command says it is ready to maintain peace and order across the state. The ban on fireworks, the crackdown on false alarms, and the deployment of patrols and undercover operatives are part of a comprehensive security plan designed to protect residents.