Ahead of the planned nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress, (NLC), scheduled for February 27 and 28 February, 2024, the Nigeria Police Force says it has placed officers on red alert.
The Force also stated its commitment to ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights and freedom to engage in the protests.
This was contained in a statement on Monday, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer of the NPF, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
“The Nigeria Police Force, on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress, hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws. As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.
“In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest. All Commissioners of Police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on the ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests are held as planned,” the statement partly read.
The NLC is protesting the government’s failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on the 2nd of October 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government to implement measures against the widespread hardship in the country.
Adejobi, in the statement, said while the police recognised the importance of the protests, it remained vigilant to prevent any attempts to hijack the protests, and that officers would also curb any attempts to create unrest, as the police will not tolerate breakdown of law and order.
According to the statement, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also appealed to protesters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly and to adhere to the principles of non-violence and respect for the rights of others, during the protests.
“While recognising the importance of peaceful protest, the Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant against any attempts to hijack such protests by individuals or groups of persons with sinister intents. Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such,” the statement added.
