•Police
The Police Command in Lagos State has assured residents that the state remains safe and calm in spite of reports of protests in some parts of the country.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, gave the assurance while addressing journalists during the Show of Force by the command today in Ikeja.
Jimoh said that the exercise was part of efforts to reassure residents of their safety and to demonstrate the readiness of the command to maintain peace and order across the state, reports NAN.
He explained that the command had made strategic deployments to all flashpoints where protests had previously occurred, including the Lekki Toll Gate, Ojota, Maryland, Gani Fawehinmi Park, and other key areas across the metropolis.
”We want residents to know that they are safe and can go about their lawful businesses without fear.
“We have made proper deployments to all identifiable points where protesters used to gather in the past,” the police chief said.
He said, ”Show of Force” was aimed at deterring troublemakers and ensuring that no group of individuals disrupts public peace under the guise of protests.
”Protests are allowed anywhere in the world, but when you take laws into your hands and disrupt public peace, that is no longer a protest.
“We will not allow anyone to infringe on the rights of others who are going about their daily activities,” he warned.
The Commissioner added that police formations across Lagos had been directed to send situation reports every 15 minutes to ensure real-time monitoring of events.
He said that so far, there had been no reports of unrest, disruption of traffic, or attacks in any part of the state, noting that areas like Ojota, Maryland, and Lekki remained peaceful with officers maintaining visible presence.
”Lagos is safe, peaceful, and free of any form of protest. We will continue to patrol and monitor all areas to sustain the peace residents are enjoying,” he assured.
It was earlier reported a showdown between the security forces and the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters today after security operatives fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The nationwide demonstration for the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader is convened by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and was endorsed by the opposition parties.
Kanu is being detained on charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement, among others.
The federal government alleges he advocated for Biafra’s independence through controversial means, including inflammatory rhetoric on social media and Radio Biafra.
