Delta State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has directed a massive deployment of police personnel across the state to prevent any potential hijacking of the demonstration in the forthcoming Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) protest.
This deployment comes ahead of the planned protest, slated to take place on the 27th and 28th of February 2024.
According to him, the measure was taken in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
READ MORE: NLC Warns of Plans to Attack Planned Protests, Threatens Total Shutdown If Attacked
This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Monday.
The statement partly reads, “As part of measures to ensure that the protest is seamless, the CP had stakeholders meeting with the leaders of NLC, TUC, and IPMAN on 22nd February 2024, and discussed measures to achieve a peaceful protest.
“The CP stated that it is the primary responsibility of the Police to ensure the protection of life and property which includes the security of protesters, but also reiterated that citizen’s right to protest is a right to peaceful protest. Violent protest is criminal and will not be tolerated.
“The CP directed the State Intelligence Department to deploy undercover operatives who will monitor and report back findings.
“Manpower has also been drawn from Tactical Teams which include Safer Highway, Dragon Patrol, Safe Delta, Raiders Unit, Rapid Response Squad, Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, 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 CP, therefore, warned all intending protesters that anyone found wanting would be immediately arrested and prosecuted by the law.
“He assures all Deltans, 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.”
