The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has deployed 4,200 officers throughout the capital city in preparation for the planned nationwide protest which will hold from August 1st.
Explosive ordinance device experts have also been positioned at key locations to mitigate potential threats.
In a statement released on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said the deployment aims to ensure public safety, protect protesters, and prevent the protests from being taken over by unauthorized individuals or groups.
The statement added that there would be raids on identified black spots, unfinished buildings, and shanties, as well as stop-and-search operations, in collaboration with other security agencies.
She said, “The FCT Police Command, anticipating the planned nationwide protest by some human rights activists and Nigerian youths to express their displeasure over hunger and hardship, has proactively deployed material and human resources throughout the capital.”
“The proactive deployment, which is aimed at ensuring public safety, protecting protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors, is characterised 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 mentioned that FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, emphasized that the destruction of public and private property would not be tolerated during the protest.
She said, “The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, while acknowledging residents’ right to protest, advises that it should remain peaceful.”
The CP vowed to resist all forms of violent protest and lawlessness, stating that the police will not be pressured into allowing the destruction of public and private properties or the loss of lives.
Adeh urged residents to remain vigilant and use the police emergency lines to report any suspicious activities.
