The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Safety and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a robust warning to protesters underneath the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Motion in opposition to any act of vandalism or destruction of private and non-private infrastructure throughout their deliberate demonstration in Abuja on Monday.
The FCT Commandant of the Corps, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, gave the warning in a press release signed by the Command’s public relations officer, DSC Monica Ojobi, on Sunday. He famous that the warning was sequel to plans by activist and writer of Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, to guide a protest on Monday, October 20, calling for the discharge of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained chief of the proscribed Indigenous Individuals of Biafra (IPOB).
Commandant Odumosu emphasised that whereas peaceable protests are inside the rights of Nigerian residents, the Corps wouldn’t tolerate any makes an attempt to destroy or tamper with Important Nationwide Property and Infrastructure (CNAI) underneath the guise of civil demonstrations.
“The Corps is not going to condone any type of destruction, vandalism or theft of private and non-private amenities within the title of protest,” Odumosu warned.
He mentioned that to make sure the safety of infrastructure and the security of FCT residents, the NSCDC has massively deployed personnel to strategic areas and recognized flashpoints throughout the town. “These officers, drawn from numerous specialised items, have been extensively briefed on greatest practices for crowd management and non-violent engagement,” he added.
“We’re ready, as at all times, to make sure there aren’t any incidents of destruction of properties or threats to infrastructure and peace within the territory.”
As well as, he reassured residents that the Corps had no intention of harassing peaceable demonstrators, saying that officers have been instructed to keep away from using drive, uphold human rights, and undertake non-kinetic strategies of their operations.
Nonetheless, the Commandant delivered a stern warning to people or {groups} planning to hijack the protest for legal functions.
“Let me be clear, anybody discovered vandalising, looting, or making an attempt to breach the peace might be arrested and prosecuted consistent with the legislation,” he mentioned.
He additionally urged residents, whether or not supporting or opposing the deliberate protest, to respect court docket rulings associated to Nnamdi Kanu’s case and conduct themselves responsibly.
He inspired all law-abiding residents of the FCT to go about their regular every day actions, assuring them of the Corps’ dedication to sustaining peace and order all through the protest interval and past.
