The Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed no fewer than 5000 personnel to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the protest scheduled for August 1.
The nationwide procession, expected to take place for 10 days in August is aimed at putting an end to bad governance and its unbearable consequences among which are hunger and economic hardship.
However, the FCT command of the NSCDC in its latest press release, signed by its spokesperson, Samuel Idoko on Tuesday, said the deployment would pre-empt any attack on public utilities in the FCT.
The statement, quoted the NSCDC, FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu as saying that anyone found destroying infrastructures within the capital city, would face the full wrath of the law.
The statement read partly: “To this end, he directed an immediate deployment of 5000 personnel of his command for strategic deployment to cover all the nooks and crannies of the FCT including all the Area Councils.
“He stated that, although peaceful protest is the civic right of every citizen, the fear of it being hijacked to cause violence, looting, arson, destruction, and unleash mayhem on law-abiding citizens necessitates the call for peace enforcement and prevention of violent insurrection.
“Although every Nigerian has the right to a peaceful protest, such protests must be done without the breakdown of law and order.
“As a Command therefore, we are committed to ensuring that law-abiding residents of Abuja move about their legitimate business without fear of being attacked, intimidated or molested by the protesters,” he said.
“Odumosu also called on the organisers of the planned protest to embrace dialogue, stating that much more will be achieved on the round table than embarking on actions that are detrimental to public peace and safety.
“Our job is to provide robust security before, during and after the protests for all residents, visitors and CNAI in the FCT.
“There is a high chance of breakdown of law and order, and because the FCT is the seat of power and host to the diplomatic headquarters of countries of the world, everything must be done professionally to manage and contain the situation” Dr Odumosu noted.
“To further ensure that all hands are on deck at the critical time, the Commandant directed that all personnel on leave or pass be recalled back to base for this all important national assignment.
“He insisted that 24-hour surveillance of Critical National Assets is a top priority and directed that the NSCDC operational guidelines must be followed to the letter to bring perpetrators to book.
“He charged personnel to work in synergy with other security agencies on the field, and to exhibit a great amount of decorum and civility while interfacing with the peaceful protesters.
“You must develop an emotional shock absorber against provocation and unnecessary confrontations by protesters,
“Be tactful, polite and diplomatic in your engagement, your duty is to ensure and maintain a peaceful protest” the commandant said.
“He insisted that rules of engagement must be strictly adhered to and warned that the Commandant General has banned the use of live ammunition on any protester, hence, any officer who acts in defiance of this order will face a severe penalty.”