Protest: NSCDC deploys 2,000 to ensure violence-free procession

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, says it has deployed at least 2,000 corps personnel across the state, ahead of Friday’s planned nationwide protest.

The state Commandant of the corps, Commander Cyprian Otoibhi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu, while briefing newsmen on the proactive steps initiated by the command to keep the protest under check.

Otoibhi said the personnel deployment was to maintain vigilance, gather intelligence, and ensure a quick response to any security threats before, during and after the protest.

He said that he had directed Area Commanders, Divisional and Supervisory Officers to take full responsibility for securing critical national assets within their jurisdiction and ensure no breakdown of law and order.

According to Otoibhi, the command emphasises the importance of proactive measures to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order and ensure a coordinated response to security breaches.

“Therefore, I have ordered the deployment of 2,000 action-ready officers and men, both uniformed and plain clothes, to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

“I have also directed all the personnel to ensure that the protest(s) will not be hijacked by miscreants and mischief makers, who intend to cause chaos in the country,” he said.

The state NSCDC boss also said that “the safety of protesters is paramount and I urge all participants to remain peaceful and law-abiding.”

“I passionately appeal to protest organisers to consider seeking alternative lawful methods to express their grievances.

“I am cautioning against the involvement of miscreants, hoodlums, and other disruptive elements, whose contribution to the protest would be counterproductive.

“I assure the good citizens of the state that all necessary and lawful measures will be employed to maintain peace and order, thereby ensuring a safe and secure environment for all law-abiding citizens,” Otoibhi said.

(NAN)