Lagos, Nigeria – As the nation prepares to commemorate Democracy Day on June 12, 2024, the Lagos State Police Command has issued a stern warning against any potential breakdown of law and order during the planned protests.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has assured residents of a heavy police presence on Wednesday to maintain safety and order during the planned protests. Notices circulating on social media reveal that a mass protest is set to take off on Wednesday in Lagos by 7am.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the police have put in place adequate measures to secure lives and property, as well as ensure free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for conducting respective lawful duties.
The statement read, “This assurance is necessitated by news making the rounds about protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024, an action capable of impeding commercial activities and free flow of traffic.”
The CP also warned that any protester found violating the rights of other Nigerians will be sanctioned according to the law. The statement added, “The command will fulfil its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons undermines the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to dignity of persons and freedom of movement.”
The Nigeria Police Force, being a civil and responsive institution, committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, therefore warns that any attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure, which could lead to an act of economic sabotage, treasonable felony, and jeopardise national security and public safety, will not be condoned during any protest action but will be met with the full force of the law.
The police, however, asked those who want to stage a peaceful protest are advised to inform the police and request for police protection. “Those who do otherwise should be ready to face the full weight of the law. Members of the public are again reminded that it is a criminal offence to tamper with the national grid or prevent/ disrupt the transmission of electricity,” it said.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun further directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and State Command Commissioners of Police in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure robust security arrangements are in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order including strategic deployments to protect key infrastructures and ensure that protests, if any, remain peaceful and lawful.
The Police also appealed to parents and guardians to warn their wards not to be used by disgruntled and misguided individuals who are mobilising for violent protest with intent to create anarchy. “Such individuals are also advised to shelve their unpatriotic and clandestine plans in their own interest.”
As the city braces for the anticipated protests, the message from the Lagos State Police Command is clear: while the right to peaceful protest is recognized, any actions that threaten the peace, security, and law and order of the city will not be tolerated.
