Ahead of the planned two-day nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other affiliates over the current economic hardship in the country, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has put all Tactical Units of the State Police Command on red alert to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order.
He said that anyone found wanting will be immediately arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also warned that violent protest is criminal and will not be tolerated.
The CP, during an interaction with Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and DPOs, directed them to come up with measures to curtail any unpleasant situation.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that nobody can be forced to be part of the protest.
He assured all Deltans, residents, and non-residents to go about their lawful duties and businesses without fear as modalities have been emplaced to ensure that the protest is peaceful and in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
“There will be massive deployment across the state to ensure adequate security and safety during the protest and to ensure that the protest is not hijacked.
“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.
“It is the primary responsibility of the police to ensure the protection of life and property which includes the security of protesters. Citizen’s right to protest is a right to peaceful protest,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the CP has 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.
“Members of the public are advised to report any untoward occurrence in their area to the nearest Police station or call the Command Control number on 08036684974,” Olufemi said.
