NSCDC warns protesters to shun violence ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cautioned protesters under the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Movement to avoid any act of vandalism or destruction of public and private infrastructure during their planned demonstration in Abuja on Monday.
The FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, issued the warning in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Monica Ojobi, on Sunday.
Odumosu said the warning followed reports that activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, would lead a protest on Monday, October 20, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
He stressed that while Nigerians have the right to peaceful protest, the Corps would not tolerate any attempt to damage or tamper with Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) under the guise of exercising such rights.
“The Corps will not condone any form of destruction, vandalism or theft of public and private facilities in the name of protest,” Odumosu stated.
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He added that the NSCDC had deployed personnel to strategic locations and known flashpoints across the FCT to safeguard infrastructure and protect residents. “These officers, drawn from specialised units, have been adequately briefed on best practices for crowd control and non-violent engagement,” he said.
Odumosu assured residents that the Corps would not harass peaceful demonstrators, noting that officers had been directed to uphold human rights and adopt non-kinetic methods in their operations.
However, he warned that anyone caught vandalising property, looting, or disturbing the peace would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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The Commandant urged citizens to respect court rulings on Nnamdi Kanu’s case and to conduct themselves peacefully. He also encouraged law-abiding residents to go about their normal activities, assuring them of the NSCDC’s commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the protest and beyond.
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