Enugu Police Warn Against Fireworks, Bush Burning as Harmattan Heightens Safety Concerns

As the festive season approaches, the Enugu State Police Command has shifted its focus toward community responsibility, urging residents to prioritise safety amid growing concerns over the misuse of fireworks and the rising cases of bush burning across the state.

In a late-night statement issued Monday through its spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, Commissioner of Police Mamman Giwa reaffirmed that the long-standing ban on the sale and unauthorised use of fireworks remains fully in force.

While the directive is not new, the Command said its relevance has become even more critical as criminals increasingly exploit explosive sounds to mask unlawful activities or cause public fear.

According to CP Giwa, the decision is not merely a regulatory measure but a proactive step to protect communities during a season typically marked by heightened movement and celebrations.

“The sale, purchase, and use of fireworks, commonly referred to as knockouts or bangers, remain banned across the state,” he reiterated, stressing that anyone flouting the order would face prosecution.

The police chief appealed to parents and guardians to play a more active role in curbing the use of fireworks by minors. He noted that enforcement teams have been mobilised to monitor compliance, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods where fireworks often trigger panic or provide cover for criminal elements.

Beyond fireworks, the Command raised alarm over another recurring danger during the harmattan period, bush burning. CP Giwa described the practice as both “reckless” and potentially devastating, warning that even minor negligence could escalate into fires capable of destroying homes, farmland, and public infrastructure. Individuals found engaging in such acts, he said, will be “duly prosecuted.”

The Command encouraged residents to adopt a community-wide approach to safety by reporting suspicious behaviour promptly and cooperating with security operatives across the state.

It also reminded the public that emergency assistance remains accessible through several dedicated phone lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, the 112 Command-and-Control Centre, 09134666668, and 09134448093.

With festivities drawing nearer, the police emphasised that safeguarding lives and property requires both enforcement and collective vigilance, a combination it hopes will ensure a peaceful yuletide for all residents of Enugu State.