The police command in Yobe has announced that Boko Haram insurgents are planning to infiltrate the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesman, revealed this information in a statement on Saturday.
He stated that intelligence reports indicated that foreign mercenaries had been engaged to wreak havoc on lives and property during the protest.
Mr. Abdulkarim urged potential protesters to exercise caution.
“As Yobe State recovers from insurgency, the Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
“However, while we alert citizens to these sinister motives, we believe that peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed. Recent insurgent activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised explosive device explosion, have raised significant concerns.
“We are not prepared to confront additional security challenges,” he warned, adding that criminals attempting to exploit the protest to destabilize the state will face severe legal consequences.
According to Mr. Abdulkarim, protesters must inform the police of their planned protest routes and assembly points to ensure a smooth event.
He emphasized that they should provide the expected duration of the protest, along with the names and contact information of leaders and organizers, as well as measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements.
The statement read, “By providing this information, we can allocate adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity.
“We encourage protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order.”
