Boko Haram plans to infiltrate nationwide protest, police warn
The Police Command in Yobe has warned that Boko Haram insurgents plan to infiltrate the upcoming nationwide protest in the state.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesman, revealed that intelligence indicates foreign mercenaries are being hired to cause chaos during the protest. “Intelligence received by the command indicated that foreign mercenaries had been engaged to destroy lives and property at the protest,” Abdulkarim said in a statement.
The Police urge potential protesters to exercise caution, especially as Yobe is still recovering from insurgency. “As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, the Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly,” he added.
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CP Garba Ahmed emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly but noted that current insurgency activities, like the recent IED explosion in Gujba LGA, raise concerns. “While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed,” he noted.
Protesters are asked to provide details such as routes, assembly points, duration, and organizer contact information to ensure a safe and well-managed 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,” Abdulkarim explained.
Abdulkarim stressed that anyone attempting to use the protest to destabilize the state would face legal consequences. “We are unprepared to face additional security challenges,” he warned, adding that criminals trying to hide under the protest to destabilise the state would face the wrath of the law.
“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,” he concluded.
Proofreading and editing by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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