As part of efforts to guarantee a safe and peaceful Christmas season, the Delta State Police Command has reaffirmed that the ban on fireworks remains fully in effect and will be strictly enforced throughout the Yuletide.
State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, emphasized that the prohibition covers “the use, sale, and display of all forms of pyrotechnics, including fireworks and firecrackers popularly known as knockouts and bangers.”
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, and circulated to journalists in Warri.
According to the statement, the measure forms part of ongoing strategies to curb crime during the festive period, noting that criminals often exploit the noise created by fireworks to perpetrate attacks and cause panic among residents.
The command stated: “Parents and guardians are strongly advised to caution their children and wards against the use of fireworks. Retailers are equally warned to desist from selling these items, as anyone caught will be arrested, prosecuted, and have their goods confiscated.”
To ensure full compliance, the Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, along with all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders, to intensify enforcement and promptly address violations within their jurisdictions.
The CP expressed appreciation to the public for their cooperation and urged residents to report any incidents of fireworks use or sale to the nearest police station or through the command’s dedicated control room lines.
The regulation of fireworks during Christmas has been a recurring security measure across Nigeria, with several police commands issuing similar warnings annually.
In both 2022 and 2023, police commands in Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory reiterated the ban, while the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service consistently warned that fireworks significantly raise the chances of Yuletide fire incidents, especially in crowded markets and densely populated residential areas where flammable materials are stored.
About the Author
