As Nigeria braces for a nationwide protest against escalating economic hardship, the FCT Police Command has unveiled a comprehensive security strategy to manage the anticipated demonstrations. With a force of 4,200 officers mobilized, the police are preparing to ensure public safety and maintain order during the planned rallies set to begin on August 1.
The deployment will feature a range of measures including enhanced visibility policing, the presence of explosive ordnance device (EOD) experts, and increased patrols. Officers will be stationed at strategic points throughout the capital, with additional efforts focused on conducting raids on potential trouble spots such as uncompleted buildings and shanties.
Commissioner of Police for the FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, emphasized the importance of peaceful protests and reassured residents that the police are committed to protecting both protesters and the public from potential violence. “We fully support the right to peaceful assembly but will not tolerate any form of lawlessness or destruction of property,” CP Igweh stated.
The police have also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through designated emergency lines. The heightened security measures reflect the police’s determination to prevent the protests from spiraling into violence and to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
This proactive approach comes as part of broader efforts to manage the social and political tensions fueling the protests, with the FCT Police coordinating closely with other security agencies to safeguard the nation’s capital during this period of heightened unrest.
