LAGOS, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria authorities have beefed up security measures at all the country's airports ahead of the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebration.

In a statement sent to Xinhua on Saturday, Henrietta Yakubu, spokesperson for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), assured travelers and other airport users of adequate security during the yuletide.

She added that the network of airports across the country are fully prepared for the usual surge in passenger traffic that is the norm during the holiday.

"FAAN will like to use this opportunity to appeal to passengers to please get to the airports early to conclude all check-in procedures in good time, so as to avoid the experience of missing their flights," she added.

The spokesperson added that necessary operational and security measures had been put in place at all the airports to ensure free flow of passengers and cargo during the yuletide.

Meanwhile, the police warned residents against the use of fireworks, saying that the ban on explosives was still operational.

Irene Ugbo, a police spokesperson, said the law prohibiting the sale of explosives and fireworks during the Christmas and New Year celebration was still in force.

The spokesperson warns traders and buyers not to engage in such illegal transactions in view of the security challenges in the country.