NSCDC warn protesters against vandalism ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has warned protesters to desist from vandalising public and private property during Monday’s planned protest in Abuja over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Olusola Odumosu, FCT Commandant of the Corps, issued the warning on Sunday in Abuja, stressing that the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) remains a top priority for the security agency.
According to Odumosu, the Corps has deployed a massive contingent of officers and special forces across strategic locations in the FCT to safeguard infrastructure and ensure the safety of residents before, during, and after the planned rallies.
“The Corps will not condone any form of vandalism or theft of public and private facilities, all in the name of protest,” Odumosu said.
He noted that the personnel had been properly briefed and directed to maintain professionalism and civility while performing their duties.
Officers were also instructed to avoid harassment, intimidation, or accidental discharge, with Odumosu emphasising that no form of indiscipline or overzealous conduct would be tolerated.
“We are prepared, as always, to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to peace in the territory.
“The deployed men have been cautioned to adopt a non-kinetic approach while carrying out the mandates of the Corps,” he stated.
The commandant, however, issued a stern warning to individuals planning to hijack or disrupt the peaceful demonstrations, vowing that anyone caught engaging in criminal acts would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The warning comes amid heightened tension in Abuja as separate groups prepare to stage demonstrations either supporting or opposing the release of Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.
Kanu faces seven counts of terrorism and treasonable felony, charges linked to his activities with IPOB, which was outlawed by the federal government in 2017.
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He was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, but fled the country following a military invasion of his home in Abia State.
The protest is being spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, alongside other civil society organisations, who insist that the demonstration will proceed despite a Federal High Court order restraining mass protests around key national institutions in Abuja.
