The Abia State government has announced a comprehensive ban on the use of fireworks, including knockouts, bangers, and other explosive materials, during the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The move, aimed at ensuring the safety and security of lives and property, was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu.

According to the statement, the government’s decision is motivated by concerns that the use of fireworks could be exploited by criminals to create panic and carry out crimes under the guise of festive activities.

READ ALSO: Kano’s Rice Scandal: Anti-Graft Agency Backtracks, Says Rice Belongs To A Philanthropist

“All residents are hereby directed to desist from the use of fireworks and related explosive materials. Such activities could pose serious security risks during the Yuletide season,” the statement read.

To enforce the ban, the government has instructed the chairmen of all 17 local government areas, traditional rulers, and town unions to collaborate with security agencies to ensure full compliance within their respective domains.

Violators, the statement warned, will face strict legal consequences.

Residents of Abia State have been urged to prioritize community safety and celebrate the festive season responsibly.

Security agencies have also been directed to monitor and enforce the ban effectively.

Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed dead following an ambush by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the Farin-Kasa area of Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The attack occurred on November 18 when an NSCDC monitoring team was inspecting a national grid installation in Shiroro, Niger State.

Seven officers were initially reported missing after the ambush, but a subsequent search revealed four fatalities. Two officers were found injured, while one remains unaccounted for.

READ ALSO: Osun To Start Paying New Minimum Wage On December 1

In a statement on Friday, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale condemned the attack and commended the bravery of the officers.

“The Commandant-General saluted the gallantry and courage displayed by the operatives during the ambush,” Babawale said.

NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged the Corps’ support for the injured and bereaved.

He also assured that the medical expenses for the injured officers would be covered.

“This is a brutal act of violence that must be swiftly addressed. We remain committed to ensuring the welfare of our personnel and honoring their sacrifices,” Audi stated.

The Commandant-General further called on the public to collaborate with the Corps and other security agencies in safeguarding the nation.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has backtracked on initial reports suggesting that 16,800 bags of rice, thought to be part of the Federal Government’s palliative aid, had been diverted and repackaged for sale.

In a statement released on Friday, the commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, revealed new findings that have reshaped the investigation.

Earlier this week, the commission received a tip-off from a whistleblower, claiming that 28 trucks carrying 16,800 bags of rice were being stored in a warehouse on Ring Road, Hotoro, Kano.

READ MORE: French Band Performs P-Square’s Hit “Taste the Money” Tinubu [VIDEO]

The rice bags were reportedly branded with the image of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the inscription “Ramadan Kareem,” and labeled “Not for sale,” raising concerns about potential corruption and diversion.

At the time, Rimingado described the act of repackaging and rebagging the rice as “a clear form of corruption.”

He emphasized that given the country’s ongoing hardship, it was particularly egregious for anyone to engage in such activities.

“Look at it, they are in the process, we have seen it and we are taking appropriate measures now. Investigation will be conducted thoroughly with all vigour to uncover all those behind it,” he said.

The commission made one arrest at the scene, while another suspect voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities.

However, in a significant development, Rimingado clarified that the rice was not part of any government distribution, as initially suspected.

Instead, he revealed that the rice belonged to a philanthropist, whose identity remains undisclosed.

According to Rimingado, the rice had been brought to Kano from Bauchi and Zamfara states, and the people handling it were working on behalf of the philanthropist to distribute the rice as part of a charitable initiative supporting President Tinubu’s agenda.

He explained, “At the preliminary stage it was established that the goods were brought to Kano from Bauchi and Zamfara State and that some names were featured.

“Now that it is established that the goods are not public property and the people handling whatever exercise taking place in that warehouse are working for the owner of the goods, the Commission, therefore, in accordance with established protocols, decided to approach the court with the new findings for necessary action.”

He further assured the public that the commission would continue its investigation with full legal action against anyone found culpable, stressing that the rice was not part of any Federal Government palliative package as initially believed.

Rimingado also thanked the people of Kano for their continued vigilance and support in the fight against corruption.

“I encourage them to continue providing the commission with vital information to help in fighting corruption and other related offences in the state,” he addes

The commission has since sealed the warehouse and handed the suspects over to security agencies for further interrogation as it seeks to resolve the matter transparently.