The police authorities have placed their personnel on high alert ahead of a nationwide protest scheduled for today by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups. The protest aims to highlight issues such as economic hardship, clampdowns on civil liberties, and the crisis in Rivers State.
Police Warning
The Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel to strategic locations, warning protesters to shelve the planned demonstration. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the protest as “ill-timed and mischievous,” coinciding with the National Police Day celebration. He stated, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”
Protesters’ Response
Take-It-Back Movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, remains undeterred, stating, “We are prepared to challenge any possible repression that may arise in the course of our peaceful protest tomorrow.” Another coordinator, Adenola Michael, added, “We will not be deterred by threats of clampdown.”
Security Measures
Police commands in various states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Adamawa, have heightened security measures to prevent disruptions. The Lagos State Police Command has ordered beefed-up security around critical infrastructure, while the Adamawa State Command has scaled up security across the state.
State-by-State Preparations
- Lagos State: The police command has placed commanders and officers on alert, with security beefed up around critical infrastructure and strategic locations.
- Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has confirmed readiness to respond to any issues during the demonstration.
- Adamawa State: The police command has alerted all commanders and officers, scaling up security across the state and around critical infrastructure.
Police Appeal
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged the group and their supporters to embrace dialogue and follow due process in pressing home their demands.
