By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Federal Government has announced public holidays for the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations, while security agencies across the country have intensified measures to ensure safety during the festive period.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday declared Thursday, December 25, 2025; Friday, December 26, 2025; and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year. The announcement was made on behalf of the Federal Government.
In a statement, the minister conveyed Christmas and New Year goodwill messages to Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, as well as to all citizens marking the close of the year and the start of a new one. He described the season as a time for reflection and national unity.
The holiday declaration came amid heightened security arrangements ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The IGP directed the nationwide deployment of police personnel and assets to maintain public safety throughout the festive season.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, all zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and state Commissioners of Police have been instructed to boost patrols, strengthen visibility policing, deepen intelligence-driven operations and expand community engagement.
“In line with the Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period.
“Specialised units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness,” the statement read.
Hundeyin said security coverage includes places of worship, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other crowded public locations.
He added, “Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents.
“The deployed officers have been charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.”
The police spokesman further stated that commands across the country have been directed to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while collaboration with other security agencies has been strengthened.