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Police deploy 4200 officers ahead of nationwide protest in Abuja

Published

1 month ago

July 26, 2024

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has deployed 4,200 policemen across the capital city in preparation for the planned nationwide protest, scheduled to begin on August 1st.

The command has also stationed explosive ordinance device experts at key locations to prevent any potential threats.

According to a statement released on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the deployment aims to guarantee public safety, protect protesters, and prevent the protests from being hijacked by unauthorized individuals or groups.

The statement added that the police will conduct raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties, as well as stop-and-search operations, in collaboration with other security agencies.

“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.

Meanwhile, a group under the aegis of the Take It Back movement has requested the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to grant them the use of Eagle Square for the proposed #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled from August 1 to August 10.

The group made this disclosure in a letter written and signed by its Director of Mobilisation, Damilare Adenola, to Wike on Friday.

They highlighted demands, including the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who would be camped out at the location.

The statement titled, ‘Request for use of Eagle Square Abuja for #EndBadGovernance protest,’ read, “As one of the groups organizing the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance protest, #DaysOfRage starting from August 1st to 10th, 2024, we at the Take It Back Movement write to your esteemed office to notify you of our decision to use Eagle Square as a point of convergence for patriotic Nigerians to demand better governance.

“This request entails using this national asset day and night for the duration of the historic protest. Also, note that the protest may be prolonged beyond ten days as we embark on resolving the protracted national crisis occasioned by the ruling party.

“Further, your office must also ensure the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who will be camped out at Eagle Square.”

The group further requested the honour and courtesy accorded to foreign and local dignitaries who had used the space for the protesters while appealing for the removal of the outer wire mesh barrier facing the Aso Rock Villa for easy access to the Presidential Villa during the protest.