The Nigeria Police Force has said it would not tolerate the violent destruction of lives and properties in the guise of a protest, on Democracy Day, scheduled for June 12.
The police disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, following recent moves by some groups allegedly mobilising for a mass protest nationwide tomorrow.
The police said, “The Nigeria Police Force, being a civil and responsive institution, committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, therefore warns that any attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure, which could lead to an act of economic sabotage, treasonable felony, and jeopardise national security and public safety, will not be condoned during any protest action but will be met with the full force of the law.
“It is equally unacceptable to cause disruption to any other critical infrastructure such as airports, hospitals, and other essential services, or violent picketing in whatever magnitude.”
The police, however, asked those who want to stage a peaceful protest are advised to inform the police and request for police protection.
“Those who do otherwise should be ready to face the full weight of the law. Members of the public are again reminded that it is a criminal offence to tamper with the national grid or prevent/ disrupt the transmission of electricity,” it said.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun further directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and State Command Commissioners of Police in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure robust security arrangements are in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order including strategic deployments to protect key infrastructures and ensure that protests, if any, remain peaceful and lawful.
The Police also appealed to parents and guardians to warn their wards not to be used by disgruntled and misguided individuals who are mobilising for violent protest with intent to create anarchy.
“Such individuals are also advised to shelve their unpatriotic and clandestine plans in their own interest.
“We remain dedicated to upholding the rights of citizens while ensuring that public order is maintained,” Police said.