Police Did Not Ban Peaceful Rallies: NPF

Police Did Not Ban Peaceful Rallies

*Only advisory notice issued
The Police High Command wishes to inform the
general public that the Force has not issued any
order banning peaceful assemblies/protests
anywhere in Nigeria. It notes however that
against the backdrop of current security
challenges in the country, coupled with a recent
intelligence report of a likely infiltration and hijack
of otherwise innocuous and peaceful protests by
some criminal elements having links with
insurgents, the Police only issued advisory notice,
enjoining citizens to apply caution in the said
rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory
and its environs.
Reminding citizens of the earlier position of the
Force on peaceful rallies, which the Police High
Command regards as the constitutional and
democratic rights of Nigerians, the Inspector-
General of Police, IGP, M D. Abubakar, CFR, NPM,
mni, psc, stresses the need for the organizers of
such rallies to ensure that they seek proper
advice and guidance from the Police before
engaging in any such exercise so as to avoid any
unpleasant circumstances. The IGP calls on the
general public to see the present position of the
Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace our
nation needs, as security is a collective
responsibility.
Consequently, citizens are strongly advised to
reconsider their positions on the issues of rallies
and protests in FCT until the existing threats are
appropriately neutralized and removed from our
midst by relevant security agencies.
Meanwhile, the IGP reassures citizens of the
commitment of the Force to the protection of
lives and property and advancing the course of
democracy in Nigeria.
CSP FRANK E. MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.