•Lagos Police PRO, SP Benjamin Hundeyin
Lagos police command has assured citizens of their right to peaceful protest while issuing a stern warning against any acts of violence.
The command’s public relations officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Superintendent of Police (SP), emphasised the force’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during upcoming demonstrations, reports The Nation.
He said: “Everyone is entitled to freedom of association, movement, and expression, and People are free to come out and protest, and we will be there to provide security to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Hundayin highlighted the deployment of significant human and operational resources to ensure that peaceful protesters are protected and that law and order are upheld. However, he issued a clear warning to potential troublemakers.
“Anyone who intends to be violent or to destroy other people’s property will meet us in the field. We have already deployed the necessary resources to ensure peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order. People are free to protest within the law peacefully, but lawbreakers will be apprehended and made to face the law.”
The police spokesperson addressed concerns about the organisation of the protests, noting that while protests are often spontaneous and without clear leadership, some individuals had communicated specific plans for a protest on a certain day, following certain routes. Despite being invited to discuss security arrangements, these individuals did not show up.
He stated: “We might choose to call them faceless, but we will still be out there to provide security to peaceful protesters and arrest violent ones. No security officer will be violent; rather, we will react appropriately to any threats.”
Referencing the 2020 EndSARS protests, Hundayin pointed out the severe consequences of violent demonstrations, including looted warehouses and significant property damage from which many have yet to recover.
“We will use tear gas, which doesn’t kill but causes discomfort in the eyes, and if the violence escalates, we will step up our response,” he warned.
Hundeyin urged all protesters to conduct themselves within the law and not to interfere with those who choose not to protest.
“The police will be there to protect and arrest lawbreakers,” he assured.
