By Adeyemi Adekunle
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is bracing for a planned nationwide protest set to begin on August 1, with a significant police presence and heightened security measures in place.
The FCT Police Command announced the deployment of over 4,200 officers to various strategic locations across the nation’s capital to ensure public safety and prevent potential disruptions.
In a statement released today, the FCT Police Command outlined the comprehensive security strategy designed to safeguard both protesters and the general public.
The deployment includes visibility policing, explosive ordnance device (EOD) experts, and personnel stationed at key locations. Additionally, the police are conducting raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties, along with stop-and-search operations and vehicular and foot patrols.
This multi-faceted approach aims to prevent the protest from being hijacked by non-state actors and to maintain order throughout the city.
“The proactive deployment is aimed at ensuring public safety, protection of protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors,” the statement read. “The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, while acknowledging the right of residents to protest, advises that it should be peaceful.
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.”
As the protest date approaches, the tension in Abuja is palpable. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has taken a firm stance against the protest, vowing that no such demonstrations will occur under his watch. This position has sparked controversy, as it contrasts with the police’s acknowledgment of the citizens’ right to peaceful protest.
“We understand the concerns of the residents and the necessity for a peaceful demonstration,” CP Igweh continued in the statement. “Our primary objective is to maintain peace and order, ensuring that the rights of citizens are respected while protecting public and private properties.”
Residents and business owners in Abuja are preparing for the potential impact of the protest. Some have taken precautionary measures, such as reinforcing security at their premises and planning for potential disruptions in daily activities.
The heightened security presence is evident throughout the city, with police officers patrolling key areas and setting up checkpoints to monitor and control movement.
The planned protest is rooted in various socio-economic issues that have been brewing for months, including rising costs of living, unemployment, and perceived government inefficiency. Activists and civil society organizations have been mobilizing support, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and orderly demonstration to voice their concerns.
However, the authorities’ firm stance on maintaining order and preventing violence raises questions about the balance between security and the right to peaceful assembly. The coming days will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds and whether the planned protest will proceed without incident.
As Abuja remains on high alert, the FCT Police Command reassures residents of their commitment to public safety. “We urge all residents to remain calm and cooperate with the security personnel. Our goal is to ensure a peaceful environment where everyone’s rights are respected,” CP Igweh emphasized.
