The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has issued a warning urging protesters associated with the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now movement to refrain from damaging Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) within the territory.
In a statement released on Sunday by DSC Monica Ojobi, the acting Commandant of the FCT NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, highlighted concerns over a planned protest by Mr. Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, scheduled for Monday. The rally seeks to advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Dr. Odumosu appealed to all citizens, whether in support of or opposed to the planned demonstration, to adhere strictly to the court’s directives regarding the protest.
“The corps will not condone any form of destruction, vandalism or theft of public and private facilities in the name of protest,” he said.
According to him, the Corps has massively deployed officers and men to protect all CNAI as well as ensure the protection of residents across the FCT before, during and after the protest.
“We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to Infrastructure and the peace in the territory.
“The deployed officers and men were drawn from specialised units, including Area Commands and Divisions, and have been properly briefed on the assignment as well as precautions to adhere to during the rally,” he said.
Odumosu said personnel had been warned not to shoot, harass or intimidate any law abiding citizen, but criminals and vandals trying to hijack the situation will not be condoned.
He further urged the deployed men to be civil by adopting the non-kinetic approach while carrying out the mandates of the corps.
The commandant, however, warned those with the intention of hijacking or disrupting the proposed peaceful protest to desist as anyone caught with criminal intents will be arrested and dealt according to the extant laws.
He urged all law abiding citizens to go about their normal activities as deployment has been made to strategic locations and identified flash points to maintain peace and order.
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