Joy Anyim
The Lagos State Police Command has said it would resist any form of protest, procession or gathering under any guise or nomenclature in the state.
The Command stated this, on Thursday, adding that the decision was taken following intelligence that had filtered to the Command on the return of protesters to the streets.
Stating that the Lagos State Government and the people of Lagos were still nurturing the wounds of the recent #EndSRS violence that wrecked havocs across the state, the Command vowed not to tolerate such protest or gathering.
In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it said, “ The Command wishes to inform the general public that based on intelligence gathering from relevant intelligence agencies, some unpatrioric elements or group of people have concluded plans to orchestrate another set of violence in the state in furtherance to the recent #EndSARS violence, which has been analysed as dangerous and counterproductive.
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“Premised on this, the command, therefore, wishes to warn any individuals, group of students or any groups who might want to stage any form of protest, either ‘peaceful’ or violent, or gathering whatsoever, to desist as the police and other security agencies will collectively and tactically resist any security threats or threats to public peace which might be triggered by protest or protesters in Lagos State.”
The Police command also warned parents and guardians to discourage their children or wards from embarking on any protest in the state as the possibility of hijacking it by armed hoodlums to cause grieve and pains like the recent past is evident.
“We encourage the general public to ignore any call for protest and go about their lawful businesses as all hands are on deck to maintain law and order and public safety across the length and breadth of the state, ” it also stated.
Meanwhile the State Commissioner of Police (CP), Hakeem Odumosu, has urged Lagosians to share information with the police, stating that such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Mr. Odumosu made the appeal at a meeting with operatives of the State Intelligence Bureau, Lagos State recently.
He stated that the move was in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s policing ideologies, which are consolidated in robust intelligence via the principles of Community Policing.
While charging the operatives to be proactive and responsive in discharging their duties, the CP affirmed that modern and effective policing is propelled by prompt and relevant intelligence.
The Police Chief was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations, DCP Mohammed Ali, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Rapid Response Squad, DCP Tunji Disu and other members of the management team, to the meeting held at the Command’s conference Hall, GRA Ikeja.
He also assured the general public of adequate security of lives and property and public safety in Lagos State.