“Anyone found wanting will be immediately arrested and prosecuted” – police warn against protest in Delta

Ahead of the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress alongside other unions, scheduled to be held on the 27th and 28th of February 2024, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has ordered massive deployment of personnel across the state to ensure adequate security and safety during the protest and to ensure that the protest is not hijacked.

According to him, the measure was taken in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police however warned all intending protesters that “anyone found wanting will be immediately arrested and prosecuted.”
The statement explained that the CP, during an interaction with Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers, directed them to put measures in place to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
It partly reads, “As part of measures to ensure that the protest is seamless, the CP had stakeholders meeting with the leaders of NLC, TUC, and IPMAN on 22nd February 2024, and discussed measures to achieve a peaceful protest.

“The CP stated that it is the primary responsibility of the Police to ensure the protection of life and property which includes the security of protesters, but also reiterated that citizen’s right to protest is a right to peaceful protest. Violent protest is criminal and will not be tolerated.
“The CP directed the State Intelligence Department to deploy undercover operatives who will monitor and report back findings.

“Manpower has also been drawn from Tactical Teams which include Safer Highway, Dragon Patrol, Safe Delta, Raiders Unit, Rapid Response Squad, Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, CD-Decoy, CP Monitoring Unit, State Anti-Cult Unit, Crack Squad, X-Squad, and additional personnel were also deployed from Department of Operations, Area Commands, and Divisions.

“The CP, therefore, warned all intending protesters that anyone found wanting would be immediately arrested and prosecuted by the law.

“He assures all Deltans, residents, and non-residents to go about their lawful duties, and business(es) without fear as modalities have been emplaced to ensure that the protest is peaceful noting that nobody can be forced to be part of the protest.

“Members of the public are advised to report any untoward occurrence in their area to the nearest Police station or call the Command Control number on 08036684974”.