From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Police Command has identified trouble spots ahead of the nationwide protest planned for 1 August 2024 and has requested protesters to unveil their leaders and intended routes to ensure proper protection.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bello M. Sani, stated this while addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.
He said, “As we are all aware, Nigerians have the constitutional right to organise peaceful protests for reasons best known to them. However, the Kebbi State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will not hesitate to clamp down on any group of people that might attempt to cause a disturbance of public peace or the unwanted destruction of critical public infrastructure under the guise of peaceful protest in Kebbi State.
“Consequently, a threat analysis has been conducted, whereby trouble areas and makers in the state have been identified, and police tactical teams, in synergy with other security agencies, will be deployed to forestall any unforeseen circumstances.
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“In the same vein, I want to call on all groups planning this peaceful protest to provide the command with the following details: proposed routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; names and contact details of leaders; and measures to prevent the hijacking of the protest by criminal elements.
“This will enable the command to provide adequate security during and after the protest, design specific measures to avoid conflict, establish clear communication with protest leaders, and minimise the risk of violence and other criminal activities.
“Moreover, I am appealing to the protesters to work closely with the police and other security agencies, follow the law, and adhere to international standards for peaceful assembly to ensure their rights are exercised safely and successfully without any hitch.”
The Commissioner of Police assured the peace-loving people of Kebbi State that they could go about their lawful businesses on the date slated for the planned peaceful protest, as security agencies in the state are fully prepared and determined to guarantee their security and safety.
“Considering the proactive security measures being taken by the security agencies, I believe we are going to witness a peaceful protest on 1 August 2024 in Kebbi State.”