Ahead of the proposed nationwide protest, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has deployed a total of 4,200 policemen across the nation’s capital. The deployment aims to ensure public safety, protect protesters, and prevent the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.
In a statement released on Friday, FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh announced that the command had also positioned explosive ordnance device experts at various strategic locations. This move is part of a broader strategy to maintain order and safety during the demonstrations.
“The proactive deployment, which is aimed at ensuring public safety, protecting protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors, is characterized by visibility policing, the deployment of explosive ordnance device experts and personnel at various strategic locations, raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, stop-and-search operations, vehicular and foot patrols, and synergy with sister security agencies,” Adeh stated.
The statement also highlighted that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, has issued a stern warning against the destruction of public and private properties during the protest. While acknowledging the right of residents to protest, Igweh emphasized the need for peaceful demonstrations.
“The Commissioner of Police FCT, while acknowledging the right of residents to protest, advises that it should be peaceful. The CP vows to resist all forms of violent protest and lawlessness, as the police will not be stampeded into allowing the destruction of public and private properties or loss of lives,” Adeh added.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the police emergency lines.
PUNCH Online reports that the nationwide protest, organized by human rights activists and Nigerian youths to express their displeasure over hunger and hardship, is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024.
