Yobe State Police Command has issued a stern warning about the potential infiltration of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August by Boko Haram.[/p>
According to a statement from DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesperson, intelligence reports have indicated that foreign mercenaries might be hired to disrupt the protest, which could pose a significant threat to lives and property.[/p>
The warning, disclosed on Saturday, July 27, highlights the heightened security concerns due to recent insurgent activities, including an IED explosion in Gujba Local Government Area.[/p>
DSP Abdulkarim urged potential protesters to exercise caution, noting that while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the timing of the protest could be problematic given the current security situation.[/p>
“As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, the commissioner of police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. [/p>
“While we alert citizens to potential sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time might be ill-timed. Recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised explosive device explosion, have heightened our concerns.[/p>
“We are not prepared to handle additional security challenges,” DSP Abdulkarim said.[/p>
CP Garba Ahmed, the Commissioner of Police, supports the call for caution and encourages protest organizers to provide detailed information about the protest.[/p>
“By supplying this information, we can allocate adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity.[/p>
“We encourage protesters to cooperate with the police, adhere to the law, and follow global best practices for peaceful assembly. We are committed to working with everyone to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order,” he added.