19th October, 2016
The Edo Police Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have deployed 5,300 personnel to provide security within Benin metropolis during the coronation of Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the new Oba of Benin on Thursday.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Haliru Gwandu, told newsmen in Benin that his command would deploy 5,000 policemen for the occasion.
Gwandu said the deployment was necessary in view of the number of high profile personalities from across the world that would attend the ceremony.
“The process of coronation is ongoing and I think the last day will be on Thursday and quite a number of personalities are expected to grace the occasion.
“We have decided to remain proactive to make sure that the town is not infested with unguarded elements who will disrupt public peace.
“We will try to provide an enabling environment, having discovered that the number of very important personalities who are going to attend the ceremony is very high.
“We have information that the occasion is very attractive to the international community. Ambassadors from US, ambassadors from the UK, our neighboring countries, our paramount rulers, and of course, other very important personalities are expected to attend.
“So, we have to ensure that the society is safe, our people are secure.
“We will do everything humanly possible to protect them and prevent the influx of misguided elements because of these important dignitaries that are coming,” the commissioner said.
The NSCDC Spokesperson, Mr Efosa Ogbebor, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the command would deploy 300 personnel for the event, which include the arms squad, anti-bomb unit as well as the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) unit.
Ogbebor also disclosed that the corps patrol vehicles would be strategically located around the city to forestall any circumstances.
“Though we are not expecting any form of security challenge, but there is need for us to plan adequately to ensure the ceremony goes and ends well,” he said.
NAN reports that Eheneden Erediauwa will become the 39th Oba of Benin after the completion of all coronation rites on Thursday.