The Yobe State Police Command has expressed concerns about a potential infiltration of the planned nationwide protest by Boko Haram insurgents.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Command’s spokesman, stated on Saturday that foreign mercenaries might attempt to disrupt the protest and cause harm. Abdulkarim urged individuals planning to join the protest to be cautious, citing intelligence suggesting a plot to use the demonstration as a cover for violence and destruction.
“As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, the Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed. Recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion, have raised concerns. We are unprepared to face additional security challenges,” the statement highlighted.
The Commissioner of Police, while recognizing the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, warned that even well-intentioned protests could be problematic given the current security climate. “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,” the statement concluded.