Yobe State Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, has raised the alarm that the command has intelligence report suggesting that insurgents were planning to exploit the planned August 1 hardship protests in the State to carry out atrocious activities.
CP Ahmed, who maintained that his men were unprepared to face additional security challenges, highlighted recent insurgency activities in Gujba local government area of the state and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion.
The CP, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, said, “We note concerns about foreign mercenaries’ involvement in the planned protest.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from protests due to sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.”
The Yobe police chief urged citizens to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group, adding, “While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed.”
The CP warned that the clandestine groups plotting to destabilise the state and the hoodlums seeking to exploit the protests for criminal plans to desist.
CP Garba, therefore, requested the organisers of the protest to provide their proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers and measures put in place to prevent its hijack by criminal elements.
The police CP said that these were necessary to facilitate a successful and incident-free protest.
“By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity.
“We encourage protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly. We are committed to working with all to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order,” the CP said.
He further commended Yobe residents for their cooperation in maintaining law and order, while urging continued support for security agencies in restoring peace and stability to foster economic growth in the state.
