The Yobe State Police Command has issued a warning about potential infiltration by Boko Haram insurgents during a planned nationwide protest in the state set to begin on August 1st. They caution that this poses a serious threat to lives and property.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesman, shared that intelligence reports suggest foreign mercenaries might be hired to cause chaos during the protest. He urged people planning to protest to be extremely careful.
While citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, Commissioner of Police Garba Ahmed expressed concerns about the timing.
“As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, we are unprepared to face additional security challenges,” he said. “Recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an IED explosion, have raised concerns that even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed.”
To help ensure the protest goes smoothly, the Police Command is asking protesters to provide specific details such as the proposed routes, assembly points, expected duration, and contact information for the leaders and organizers.
This information, Abdulkarim said, will help the police deploy adequate personnel and resources to minimize the risk of violence and maintain order. “We are committed to working with everyone to ensure peaceful expression and public safety,” the police spokesperson added.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
