21 years jail term awaits vandals of government property in Kwara State, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Umar Muhammed, has warned.

The commandant handed down the warning as he ordered the deployment of 2,500 officers and men of the corps to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, as well as ensure the safety of residents across the state for a peaceful and secure yuletide celebration.

The officers, drawn from the Armed Squad Unit, Operation Harmony, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Unit, CBRNE, Anti-Vandal Unit, and other specialized units, have been evenly and strategically deployed across all the 16 local government areas in the state.

Additionally, plainclothes operatives from the Intelligence and Investigation Department have been deployed for round-the-clock surveillance, as well as overt and covert patrols of recreational and religious centres, marketplaces, and locations of critical government assets.

A statement by the spokesman of the command, Ayoola Michael Shola in Ilorin on Thursday, said Commandant Umar noted that “the command will synchronize efforts with other security agencies, including local vigilantes, to ensure that residents of the state have a trouble-free Yuletide and New Year celebrations.”

While extending his heartfelt Christmas and New Year greetings to the residents of the state, Umar strongly warned criminal elements planning to vandalize government property to refrain from such acts.

He stated that offenders will face severe legal repercussions, including a 21-year jail term without the option of a fine, in accordance with the law.

He urged the public to stay vigilant and security-conscious and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agencies

Vandals risk 21 years jail term in Kwara – NSCDC warns