The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has mobilized 4,200 officers in preparation for a nationwide protest scheduled to start on August 1.
Organized under the banner “10 Days of Rage,” the protest is set to begin next month, and the police deployment aims to ensure public safety, protect protesters, and prevent the disruption of the marches by non-state actors.
In a statement released on Friday, FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh explained that the deployment is part of a broader strategy to maintain order and prevent violence. “The FCT Police Command has proactively mobilized both personnel and resources to cover every area of the nation’s capital in anticipation of the planned protest by human rights activists and Nigerian youths expressing their grievances over economic hardships,” the statement said.
Adeh emphasized that the deployment will include visible policing, the use of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts, raids on known trouble spots, and coordination with other security agencies. The aim is to ensure the safety of both protesters and public property.
Residents are advised to report any suspicious activity and remain vigilant. The statement also noted that the military and the Department of State Services (DSS) have indicated concerns that the protest could be hijacked by criminal elements.
Both federal and state governments, including President Bola Tinubu, have urged the youth to reconsider their plans for the protest. Additionally, religious and traditional institutions have called for the demonstration to be cancelled.
(Cable)