The Police Command in Kaduna State has issued a cautionary message to citizens and urged protesters to cooperate with law enforcement during the planned demonstrations set to take place from August 1 to August 10.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mansir Hassan, the Command’s Spokesperson, made the appeal in a statement released on Sunday. He emphasized the importance of peaceful protest and adherence to legal protocols to ensure the safety and security of all participants.
"The command is closely monitoring the developments surrounding the planned protests scheduled from August 1 to August 10," Hassan stated. "We have observed that while some groups are advocating for peaceful demonstrations, others are calling for violent protests, drawing inspiration from recent events in Kenya."
Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, advised all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly. This approach aims to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
Hassan expressed concern about individuals who claim to support peaceful protests but have undertones of violence, which raises questions about their true intentions. "The Command commends the patriots who have decided to withdraw from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those advocating violence," he noted. "We also acknowledge those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, recognizing the potential manipulation by enemies of our country."
The police reiterated their respect for the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest but emphasized that even a peaceful protest at this time might be ill-timed due to the potential for exploitation by malicious groups. "We issue a stern warning to clandestine groups plotting to destabilize the country and to hoodlums seeking to exploit the protests for their criminal agendas," Hassan warned.
To ensure public safety, the police have requested protest organizers to provide necessary details, including protest routes, assembly points, names and contact details of leaders, and measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements. This information will help the police deploy adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas for the protest, and maintain clear communication channels with protest leaders.
Hassan also stressed that the police would not tolerate any form of violence, including the killing of innocent citizens, destruction of public infrastructure and private property, or looting of businesses. "In the interest of public safety and order, we request all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place," he added.
The police are committed to working with all Nigerians to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order, Hassan concluded.
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