The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Abaniwonda Olufemi has ordered massive deployment of police personnel across the state to ensure adequate security and safety during the protest by Nigerian workers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The deployment is also meant to ensure the protest is not hijacked by hoodlums and other criminal elements.
This was contained in a statement by the police public relations officer DSP Bright Edafe on Monday adding that in an interaction with Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police officers, the commissioner directed them to emplace measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
The police boss had earlier held a stakeholder meeting with the leaders of NLC, TUC, and IPMAN last Thursday to discuss measures to achieve a peaceful protest.
According to him, it was the primary responsibility of the Police to ensure the protection of life and property which includes the security of protesters, reiterating that “citizen’s right to protest is a right to peaceful protest, violent protest is criminal and will not be tolerated.”
He directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to deploy undercover operatives who will monitor and report back findings.
“Manpower has also been drawn from Tactical Teams which includes Safer Highway, Dragon Patrol, Safe Delta, Raiders Unit, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKCCS), CD-Decoy, CP Monitoring Unit, State Anti-Cult Unit, Crack Squad, X-Squad, and additional personnel were also deployed from Department of Operations, Area Commands, and Divisions. ”
The commissioner, therefore, warned all intending protesters that anyone found wanting would be immediately arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He assured all residents and non-residents to go about their lawful duties, and business(es) without fear as modalities have been emplaced to ensure that the protest is peaceful noting that nobody can be forced to be part of the protest.
