Yola, Nigeria – In anticipation of the planned nationwide protests against bad governance in Nigeria, the Adamawa State Police Command has taken proactive measures to ensure peace and order within the state. On July 26, 2024, Commissioner of Police CP Dankombo Morris, PSC (+), held a critical engagement meeting with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, student union leaders, NLC, TUC, PCRC executives, leaders of the Eminent Persons Forum, IPMAN, Gamzaki traders, NURTW, and other key groups.
In a press release shared on the Command’s social media X Channel today, CP Morris outlined the focal points of the interaction, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the state’s security amidst concerns over potential disruptions by unidentified individuals advocating for violent protests.
“The constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest is acknowledged and respected,” stated CP Morris. “However, we must be vigilant against elements seeking to exploit these protests for unlawful activities.”
Stakeholders present at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and explicitly distanced themselves from the planned protests, highlighting the questionable motives of certain groups pushing for violent demonstrations.
The Adamawa State Police Command has called on all groups planning peaceful demonstrations to cooperate fully by providing detailed information about their activities. This includes:
Proposed routes and assembly points.
Expected duration of the protest.
Names and contact details of leaders.
Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for isolating potential troublemakers.
“This information will enable us to deploy adequate security measures, prevent conflicts, and ensure a clear line of communication with protest leaders,” CP Morris added. “Our goal is to minimize the risks of violence and other criminal acts.”
The Command issued a stern warning against any clandestine groups attempting to disrupt the peace, stating unequivocally that acts of destruction or looting of public or private infrastructure and businesses will not be tolerated.
“We urge all protesters to work closely with the police and other security agencies, adhere to the law, and follow international standards for peaceful assembly,” said SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, Police Public Relations Officer, in the signed statement. “This cooperation is essential to ensuring that the rights of citizens are exercised safely and successfully.”
The Adamawa State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to maintain peace and security, ensuring that the forthcoming protests are conducted within the bounds of the law.
Signed: SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, NIPR,
Police Public Relations Officer,
For Commissioner of Police,
Adamawa State
PIONEER NEWS 