Agency Report
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT Command, has cautioned protesters to desist from vandalising critical national assets and infrastructure in the territory during Monday’s protests.
The NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.
NAN reports that separate groups have organised protests on Monday for and against the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
Odumosu called on citizens, in support or against the planned rallies, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.
“The corps will not condone any form of vandalism or theft of public and private facilities, all in the name of protest,” he said.
He said that the corps had 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 protests.
“We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to the peace in the territory.
“The deployed men were drawn from the special forces of the corps, and they have been properly briefed on the precautions to adhere to during the rally,” he said.
Odumosu said personnel had been warned to avoid accidental discharge, harassment or intimidation of anyone, as no indiscipline or over-zealousness will 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 protests to desist, as anyone caught with criminal intentions will be arrested and dealt with according to the extant laws.
The Convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, and a coalition of civil society organisations have vowed to proceed with the Monday protest demanding Kanu’s release.
Kanu is facing a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony.
He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021.
The IPOB leader was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and fled after a military invasion of his home in Abia State.
Despite several court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has yet to comply, a situation that continues to stir public outrage and renewed agitation.
(NAN)
