By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26, 2025, as well as Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year celebrations.
The declaration was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Extending warm Christmas and New Year greetings to Nigerians, particularly Christians at home and in the diaspora, the minister urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of love, peace, humility and sacrifice exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ.
He noted that these values remain essential to fostering unity, tolerance and harmony across the nation.
Dr Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation, to use the festive period to pray for the peace, security and continued progress of the country, while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts towards national development.
“The Christmas season and the New Year present an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of unity, show compassion to one another, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building,” the minister said.
He further enjoined citizens to remain law-abiding, security-conscious and moderate in their celebrations, while cooperating with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe festive period.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel and operational assets nationwide to guarantee a safe, peaceful and crime-free Christmas and New Year celebration.
In line with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive festive security strategy, all Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and State Commissioners of Police have been directed to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations and community engagement 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.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the deployment will focus on places of worship, recreational centres, markets, parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other high-density public areas.
Additional patrol and surveillance teams have also been activated along inter-state routes and major expressways to curb road-related crimes, traffic disorder and accidents, with officers directed to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.
The IGP further ordered sustained raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while strengthening collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
While wishing Nigerians a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, the Inspector-General urged citizens to remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through available emergency lines.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy the Yuletide season and beyond in an atmosphere of peace, safety and security.
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