The Nigerian Police Force, NPF has in readiness to safeguard the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, against the planned nationwide protest, deployed 4, 200 policemen to man the city. The nationwide protest is slated to start on August 1 and last till August 10.
The Command also announced the deployment of explosive ordnance device experts at various strategic locations.
This was contained in a statement on Friday by its Force spokesperson, Josephine Adeh. She said the deployment of the personnel was to ensure public safety and to protect the protesters.
Adeh noted that police need to prevent the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.
She also added that there would be raids on identified black spots, and uncompleted buildings/shanties. The police would also engage in stop-and-search operations in collaboration with sister security agencies.
“The FCT Police Command, in anticipation of the planned nationwide protest by some human rights activists and Nigerian youths to publicly express their displeasure over hunger and hardship, has proactively deployed material and human resources across the nooks and crannies of the nation’s capital.
“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. The raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties and stop-and-search operations. Vehicular and foot patrols, and synergy with sister security agencies,” the statement read.
Adeh noted that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, warned that the destruction of public and private properties would not be tolerated during the protest.
“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,” she said.
The Force spokesperson, therefore, urged residents to be vigilant. And to take advantage of the police emergency lines to report suspicious activities.
ISUIKWUATO VOICE reports that the nationwide protest is scheduled to be held from August 1 to 10, 2024.
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