The Kaduna State Police Command, in collaboration with the armed forces and other security agencies, conducted a show of force operation on Wednesday to deter potential troublemakers ahead of a planned protests on August 1-10
Our correspondent reports that the operation which involved high-ranking officers aimed to showcase the security agencies’ readiness to maintain peace and order during the protests.
No fewer than 25,000 personnel comprising the police, armed forces as well as other security agencies were said to have been deployed to strategic flashpoints across the state to ensure strict compliance with public order.
The state Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, was quoted in a statement issued at the end of the exercise by the Command’s Public Relations Officer Mansir Hassan, ASP, saying the exercise was meant to warn individuals with malicious intent against disrupting the peace of the state.
“We will not deny citizens their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest, but we will not tolerate any form of violence or disruption,” he said.
According to the statement, the command urged protesters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them of protection and security during the exercise.
The show of force operation comes as a precautionary measure to prevent potential chaos and ensure public safety during the planned protest.
It stated, “On the 31st of July 2024, In a collaborative effort to ensure the safety and security of Kaduna State, the Kaduna State Police Command, in synergy with the armed forces and other sister security agencies, embarked on a Confidence Building Show of Force Operation.
“This operation is designed to serve as a clear warning to those who may seek to use the upcoming protest to destabilise the state. It also aims to showcase the capabilities and readiness of our security agencies to maintain peace and order.
“The operation saw the active participation of several high-ranking officers, including the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State Command, the Garrison Commander 1 Division Kaduna, the Air Officer Commanding 453 Base Service Group Kaduna, the Commander of Civil Defense, the Commander of KADVS, as well as all ACPOLs and DPOs.
“The primary objective of this show of force is to deter individuals with malicious intent from engaging in any form of violence during the upcoming protest.
“Effective deployment of over Twenty-Five Thousand (25000) Police, Armed Forces and other security personnel have been made in strategic flashpoints to ensure strict compliance to public order.
“As formerly announced the police will not deny Citizens their Constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest, the Kaduna State Police Command reiterates that the protest should be peaceful.”