The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for the Anambra State Command, has begun a show of force display in the state ahead of the intended nationwide protests that will start August 1.
Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC state commandant who led the officers and men in the “show of force” in and around the state, on Tuesday, had remarked that the exercise was simply a show of the command’s readiness and commitment to guarantee a safe and secure environment for the demonstrators.
The show of force began at the state command headquarters in Awka, the state capital, and the key routes covered included Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Ziks Avenue, Regina Caeli Junction, Kwata Junction, New Parts Nkpor, Nkpor-Junction, Borromeo Roundabout, Awka road, DMGS Roundabout, Upper New Market Road, Oguta Road, and Head Bridge in Onitsha where it terminated.
According to the state commandant, this show of force will continue until August 12 and will serve as a testament to the agency’s readiness and dedication to ensuring a round-the-clock security of critical national assets and infrastructure.
What They’re Saying
Olatunde said, “This proactive measure seeks to preempt and mitigate any potential incidents of vandalism, breaches of peace, and lawlessness that may occur in conjunction with the planned nationwide protest.
The coordinated display of force with other security agencies in Anambra State, within their respective areas of expertise, sends an unequivocal message that the state’s security machinery is robustly prepared to take firm and decisive action against any individuals attempting to disguise themselves as protesters and compromise the existing safety and security atmosphere.”
The NSCDC state commandant, Olatunde had also cautioned the intending protesting youths to be war and avoid allowing themselves to be used to unleash terror on law-abiding citizens. He had also warned against destroying Critical (State and National) Assets as well as public Infrastructure provided by the government for the use of citizens.
In the same vein, the state commandant also cautioned officers and men dispatched ahead of the protest against unprofessional conduct, stressing that the command will not dither in dealing with anyone involved in misconduct and unprofessional acts.
Why It Matters
As at the time of filing this report, there are no specific reports indicating concerns about violence during the planned nationwide protest. However, some security agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are proactively deploying personnel to maintain law and order and safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure.
