Police warn against fireworks, knockouts ahead of Christmas in Delta

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda. Credit: Dele Ogunyemi

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As part of measures to ensure a safe and peaceful Yuletide season, the Delta State Police Command has reiterated that the ban on fireworks remains in force and will be strictly enforced.

The ban, according to the state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, covers “The use, sale, and display of pyrotechnics, including fireworks and firecrackers known as ‘knockouts’ and ‘bangers’.”

This was contained in a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, and made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday.

According to the statement, the decision is part of ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce crime, noting that criminally minded persons often take advantage of fireworks and similar devices to unleash terror on law-abiding residents.

The statement read in part, “Parents and guardians are advised to caution their children and wards to desist from using these items.

“Retailers are equally warned to withdraw from the sale of these products, as anyone found wanting will be arrested and prosecuted, and their goods impounded.”

To ensure compliance, the Commissioner of Police has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, as well as all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders, to monitor enforcement and address any violations within their respective areas of responsibility.

The CP also appreciated the cooperation of residents and urged citizens to report incidents of fireworks use or sale to the nearest police station or through the command’s control room numbers.

The enforcement of bans on fireworks and other pyrotechnics during the Yuletide season has been a recurring security measure across Nigeria, with multiple police commands issuing similar directives annually.

Over the years, PUNCH Online has reported several instances in which law enforcement agencies warned against the use of firecrackers, citing risks ranging from fire outbreaks to criminal exploitation.

In December 2023 and 2022, PUNCH Online reported that the police commands in Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory issued public notices prohibiting fireworks, explaining that criminals often use the noise from “knockouts” and “bangers” to mask gunshots, burglary operations, and coordinated attacks.

Similarly, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service repeatedly cautioned that fireworks increase the likelihood of Yuletide fire incidents, particularly in markets and densely populated neighbourhoods where flammable goods are stored.

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