By Nabilu Balarabe
The Police have said Boko Haram terrorists have perfected plans to infiltrate the nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1 in Yobe State.
This was revealed in a statement by the State Police Command on Sunday.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the spokesperson of the Yobe Police Command in the statement said intelligence indicated that foreign mercenaries have been engaged to destroy lives and property during the protest.
The Police spokesperson therefore called on individuals planning to participate in the protest to exercise caution.
“As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, the Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
“While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed.
“Recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion, have raised concerns.
“We are unprepared to face additional security challenges,” he said, and warned that criminals trying to hide under the protest to destabilise the state would face the wrath of the law.
According to Abdulkarim, for a hitch-free protest, the protesters are required to indicate proposed protest routes and assembly points.
The spokesman said they should also state expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of leaders and organizers and measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements.
“By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources; designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity.
“We encourage protesters to cooperate with the Police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly.
“We are committed to working with all to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order”.
(NAN)
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