Ahead of the proposed nationwide protest, the Federal Capital Territory police command has deployed a total of 4,200 policemen across the nooks and crannies of the nation’s capital.
The command also announced the deployment of explosive ordinance device experts at various strategic locations.
The command in a statement on Friday by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh said the deployment was to ensure public safety, protection of protesters and to prevent the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.
She added that there would be raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, and stop and search operations among others in collaboration with sister security agencies.
The PPRO noted that the deployment was characterized by visibility policing, the deployment of explosive ordinance devices, EOD experts and personnel at various strategic locations.
She said the operation of the officers would include raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, stop and search, vehicular and foot patrol and synergy with sister security agencies.
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“The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh 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 added.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu on Thursday held emergency meetings with the All Progressives Congress state governors, prominent traditional rulers and Ulamas (Islamic religious scholars) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja as part of efforts by the government to ensure the planned hunger protests, slated for August 1 to 10, is averted nationwide.
The meetings come after growing calls for the anti-hunger protests following widespread economic hardships in the country.
The protests, which are being organized under the hashtag ‘EndBadGovernance,’ have gained significant traction on social media even as the organizers remain unknown, with no group officially claiming responsibility.
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