The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, has warned that violent protest is criminal and will not be tolerated.
This may not be unconnected with the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, alongside other unions, scheduled for Tuesday.
He warned that anyone found wanting will be immediately arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police during an interaction with area commanders, tactical commanders, and DPOs, directed them to come up with measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that nobody can be forced to be part of the protest.
He assured all Deltans, residents, and non-residents to go about their lawful duties and businesses without fear as modalities have been emplaced to ensure that the protest is peaceful, in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“There will be massive deployment across the state to ensure adequate security and safety during the protest and to ensure that the protest is not hijacked.
Edafe, in the statement, said: “As part of measures to ensure that the protest is seamless, the CP had stakeholders meeting with the leaders of NLC, TUC, and IPMAN on February 22, 2024, and discussed measures to achieve a peaceful protest.
“It is the primary responsibility of the police to ensure the protection of life and property which includes the security of protesters. Citizen’s right to protest is a right to peaceful protest.”
“Meanwhile, the CP directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to deploy undercover operatives who will monitor and report back findings.
“Manpower has also been drawn from Tactical Teams which includes Safer Highway, Dragon Patrol, Safe Delta, Raiders Unit, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKCCS), CD-Decoy, CP Monitoring Unit, State Anti-Cult Unit, Crack Squad, X-Squad, and additional personnel were also deployed from Department of Operations, area commands, and divisions.
“Members of the public are advised to report any untoward occurrence in their area to the nearest police station or call the Command Control number on 08036684974.”