The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has issued an urgent security alert to all thirty-six state governors across Nigeria. The directive calls for heightened nationwide preparedness ahead of the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations, citing significant public safety concerns.
Governors Pledge Coordinated Security Response
The emergency alert was formally confirmed in a communiqué released by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) following its 7th meeting of 2025. The meeting was held at the forum’s headquarters on Lake Chad Street in Abuja, spanning from the evening of Wednesday, December 17, to the morning of Thursday, December 18.
The document, signed by NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and read by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, detailed the ONSA's warning. The security advisory pointed to increased population movements, large public gatherings, and elevated safety risks as primary reasons for the alert.
In response, the governors collectively assured citizens of a robust and coordinated security plan. They pledged to enhance inter-agency collaboration, protect critical national infrastructure, and maintain a visible security presence in identified hotspots to ensure a safe festive period.
Police Commands Ramp Up Festive Deployments
Acting on the national alert, security agencies have begun major operational deployments. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command announced the strategic positioning of 2,202 personnel across Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said the deployment is part of the command’s 2025 festive season operational order. Officers will secure worship centres, recreational spots, motor parks, highways, and other public spaces.
"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," Adeh stated. She added that tactical units and rapid response squads are on active duty, with increased patrols and surveillance on identified black spots and uncompleted buildings.
Similarly, the Kebbi State Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Bashir Usman, announced enhanced security measures. The arrangements cover worship centres, markets, parks, and major highways, and are also intended to monitor planned protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress to prevent hijack by miscreants.
Health Sector Achievements and Broader Security Context
Beyond security, the NGF meeting also reviewed outcomes from the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Awards held on December 12, 2025. The forum acknowledged thirteen states for progress in primary healthcare delivery.
Yobe State was named the national overall winner. Zamfara, Nasarawa, Abia, Rivers, and Osun States topped their respective geopolitical zones, while Kwara, Gombe, Kaduna, Anambra, Bayelsa, and Ogun emerged as first runners-up. The governors linked these successes to sustained political leadership and peer accountability.
This Yuletide security push occurs within a broader context of national security efforts. It was reported that President Bola Tinubu recently held a closed-door meeting with service chiefs on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, indicated that the President issued fresh directives demanding improved results in the fight against insecurity.
The coordinated alert and subsequent actions underscore a national drive to mitigate risks during a period traditionally marked by increased social and economic activity.
