Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has mobilized 4,200 police officers throughout the nation’s capital.
The deployment aims to ensure public safety, protect protesters, and prevent the demonstration from being hijacked by non-state actors.
In a statement released on Friday, July 26, 2024, FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh detailed the strategic measures, including the deployment of explosive ordnance device experts at key locations. The police plan also involves raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties, along with stop-and-search operations and collaborations with other security agencies.
“The FCT Police Command has proactively deployed material and human resources across the nooks and crannies of the nation’s capital,” Adeh said. “This is to ensure public safety, protect protesters, and prevent the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.”
The deployment strategy includes visibility policing, raids, vehicular and foot patrols, and synergy with sister security agencies.
FCT Commissioner of Police Benneth Igweh emphasized that while residents have the right to protest, it must 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 are urged to remain vigilant and use police emergency lines to report any suspicious activities. The nationwide protest, organized to address the hardship experienced by citizens, is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 10, 2024.
