The New Year celebration recorded a large turnout at many worship centres in Kwara and Kogi states as residents ushered in 2014 with thanksgiving and prayers to God on Wednesday.

There was indication that the celebration was peaceful as no violence was recorded in the two states as of the time of filing this report.

The Punch correspondent, who went round some churches in Ilorin, observed the presence of security agents around the worship centres.

The patrol teams of the security agents were seen moving from one location to the other as the Christian faithful observed the New Year eve on Tuesday night.

The Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olufemi Fabode,   in an  interview with The Punch correspondent, said that the command stepped up its 'stop and search' operations to achieve the peaceful celebration.

He added that there was intensive monitoring by senior police officers; increase in the number of patrol teams; an enhanced patrol operations; and full monitoring of churches and venues of other public gatherings.

Fabode added that about six persons were arrested for throwing and being in possession of fire-works.

Also, the Public Relations Officer, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps,  Kwara State Command, Mr. Kadir Olanrewaju, said the corps deployed no fewer than 1,500 officers to ensure security during the celebration.

Olanrewaju added that the corps intensified surveillance and other security measures.

The Police Public Relations Officer,  Kogi State Command, Mr.  Redengha Timpa, said the command  embarked on patrols, intelligence-gathering and collaboration  with the  state's residents for maximum security and peace.

He added that the command also raided suspected criminal hideouts.

"In fact, all policemen in the state were instructed to come and ensure that the state remained peaceful. We also monitored and covered all worship centres," he said.

Timpa, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, also said that no fewer than 50 suspects were arrested between December 16, 2013 and January 1, 2014 for violating the ban on masquerade as well as the use and being in possession of fireworks, and other explosives.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, Prof. Timothy Opoola, alongside his Kogi State counterpart, Bishop Emmanuel Egbunu, and the presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Dr. Mike Okonkwo, have urged Nigerians to develop positive minds and attitude in 2014.