The Nigerian Police Force has pledged to ensure public safety and prevent any form of violence during the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.
The announcement comes amid rising anticipation for the demonstration, which is to express grievances over hunger and hardship in the country.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, stated on Friday that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has mobilised 4,200 officers to maintain peace and order.
This deployment includes visibility policing, explosive ordinance device (EOD) experts, and personnel stationed at strategic locations.
The force will also conduct raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties, alongside implementing stop-and-search operations, vehicular and foot patrols, and coordinating efforts with other security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, maintained that residents have the right to protest but urged that demonstrations remain peaceful.
He warned against any acts of violence or lawlessness, noting that the police would not tolerate the destruction of property or loss of life.
Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activities through provided emergency lines.
Meanwhile, News About Nigeria reported that the organisers of the protest movements, #DaysOfRage and #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, have formally requested permission to use Eagle Square in Abuja as the main venue for their demonstrations.
The protests, led by the Take It Back Movement (TIB), are planned to start on August 1 and continue through August 10, with a potential extension depending on the issues being addressed.
In their letter to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the organisers requested unrestricted access to Eagle Square, citing the need for a venue that could support continuous protest activities, including provisions for power, sanitation, and security.
They also said there is the possibility of the protest extending beyond the initial ten days due to ongoing grievances linked to governance issues.
The organisers called for protesters to be treated with respect and provided the same facilities that have been available to dignitaries who previously used the space.
