The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its ban on use of fireworks, knockouts and fire crackers before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations is effectively in force.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Okon Effiong Okon announced this via a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko on Thursday, December 22, 2022.

He stated that the explosive nature of the fireworks informed the decision and urged members of the public to be security conscious while wishing thee people of the State a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.

“The Commissioner of Police, officers and men of the Rivers State Command wish the good people of Rivers State a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance. The Command wishes to use this opportunity to reassure all and sundry that adequate Security measures have been emplaced to ensure that they enjoy a hitch free celebration.

“The CP wishes to remind members of the Public that the ban on the use of fireworks (crackers and knockouts) before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations is still enforce. This is predicated on the fact that these devices are ‘Explosive’, and capable of causing harm.

“Consequently, the Command hereby appeals to the general public, parents and guardians alike, to warn their wards to desist from using crackers and knockouts during this period. Retailers of these devices are equally advised and warned to stop their sales, as any person or group of persons found flouting this order will be arrested and prosecuted.

“We count on your unwavering support and cooperation, urging you to be security conscious and at alert. You are kindly requested to report all suspicious elements to the Police, using the following Security numbers: 08032003514, 08028915460 and 08036219523”.