Ahead of the nationwide protests starting on Thursday, the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a stern warning against actions, saying the demonstrations can lead to the destruction of critical national assets and infrastructure.
The state Commandant, Augustine Padonu, in addition to the warning, directed all heads of formations in the state to ensure the deployment of 2015 personnel across the state to guard against negative actions.
The deployed personnel include uniform officers, officers from the Intelligence and Investigation Department, the Counter Terrorism Unit and the Disaster and Emergency Response Unit.
The goal, according to a statement by the command’s spokesman, DSC Samuel Opebiyi, is to maintain peace and security throughout the state during the protest.
The PRO said that the directive aligns with the recent orders from the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who emphasised the need for tight security measures to protect critical national assets at the federal, state and local government levels.
“CG Audi cautioned that while protests are a constitutional right, there are individuals who may seek to exploit this opportunity for personal gains or to engage in looting, which is unacceptable.
“In light of these developments, Commandant Padonu appeals to parents and guardians to advise their wards to conduct themselves peacefully during the protest.
“The Oyo Commandant said that the command will not accept any form of lawlessness and wanton destruction of public facilities from anyone,” Opebiyi stated.
The command spoke on the need for protesters to respect the rights of non-protesters and avoid actions such as road blockages that would disrupt the daily activities of citizens.
The PRO added: “While acknowledging that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, NSCDC warns that any attempt to violate the rights of citizens or damage government property will be met with firmness.”
He said that the Corps, alongside other sister agencies, would not hesitate to act against such violations.
He further said that Oyo NSCDC would collaborate closely with other security agencies to ensure coordinated efforts during the protest.
The collaboration includes intelligence sharing and joint patrols, with the goal of maintaining public order, protecting lives and property, and upholding citizens’ rights, while preventing violence and criminal activity.
Commandant Padonu however instructed the deployed personnel to respect the human rights of all individuals involved in the protest by ensuring that every engagement is handled with professionalism and respect.
He warned that any act of brutality toward protesters would not be tolerated.
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