Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called on state governors and security agencies to strengthen security arrangements across the country as the 2025 festive season approaches. The warning comes amid concerns over increased travel, large public gatherings, and higher risks to public safety during the holidays.
The advice was conveyed to governors through the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and confirmed in a communiqué issued after the forum’s seventh meeting of 2025, held in Abuja. The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and read to journalists by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun.
According to the communiqué, the Office of the National Security Adviser urged all states to put in place strong security measures to prevent crime and ensure a peaceful celebration period for Nigerians. The NSA warned that festive periods often come with increased security challenges due to heavy movement of people and crowded public spaces.
The NGF explained that the message from the NSA stressed the need 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.”
Festive seasons in Nigeria, especially Christmas and New Year celebrations, usually attract large crowds to churches, mosques, markets, entertainment centres, and major highways. Millions of Nigerians travel from cities to rural areas to celebrate with family and friends. This movement often puts pressure on security agencies and creates opportunities for criminal activities such as robbery, kidnapping, and attacks on public places.
Governors at the meeting said they understood the concerns raised by the NSA and were ready to act. They pledged to work closely with security agencies in their states to reduce risks and protect lives and property.
“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.
The governors also agreed that cooperation between state governments, the police, the military, and other security agencies would be key to maintaining peace during the holidays. They noted that timely sharing of intelligence and joint operations would help prevent security breaches.
Nigeria has faced several security challenges in recent years, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal violence. While the situation has improved in some areas, authorities say there is no room for complacency, especially during festive periods when criminals may try to take advantage of crowded places and reduced alertness.
Beyond security, the governors also discussed health and development issues during the meeting. One of the highlights was the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards, held on December 12, 2025, where thirteen states were recognised for improvements in primary health care services.
Yobe State emerged as the overall winner of the award. Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers, and Osun states topped their respective zones, while Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun states finished as runners-up.
The governors said the results showed the importance of strong political leadership and accountability at the state level. They pledged to continue investing in primary health care, especially in rural areas, to improve access to basic medical services for Nigerians.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring proper and transparent use of funds under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus Programme. The programme is designed to support vulnerable communities and boost local economies through targeted interventions.
Meanwhile, security agencies have already begun taking steps in line with the NSA’s advice. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Police Command has deployed 2,202 officers across Abuja to ensure safety during the festive period.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said the deployment is part of the Command’s 2025 festive season security plan. She explained that the officers would be stationed at key locations to prevent crime and respond quickly to any incident.
“As we gradually transition into 2026, the FCT Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to sustaining peace, safety, and public order,” Adeh said. “This proactive deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure, and hitch-free celebration for all residents and visitors.”
She added that officers have been deployed to churches, mosques, event centres, highways, motor parks, shopping areas, and other public places. The deployment is also supported by regular patrols, intelligence gathering, and rapid response teams.
Adeh said the police are paying special attention to black spots, abandoned buildings, and shanties that could be used by criminals to plan or hide after committing crimes.
“These areas are being closely monitored and, where necessary, raided to forestall criminal activities,” she said.
In Kebbi State, the Police Command also announced enhanced security measures ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations. The state police spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, said officers have been deployed to worship centres, markets, motor parks, highways, and areas where protests or large gatherings may occur.
He explained that the goal is to deter criminal activities, protect lives and property, and ensure that lawful assemblies are not taken over by troublemakers.
The Kebbi police also urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or activities in their communities.
Across the country, similar measures are being put in place by state commands of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. Authorities say community support is important in maintaining peace, as residents are often the first to notice unusual behaviour.
As Nigerians prepare to celebrate the end of 2025 and welcome the new year, government officials say ensuring safety remains a top priority. The combined efforts of governors, security agencies, and citizens, they believe, will help make the festive season peaceful and enjoyable across the country.
