Police Did Not Ban Rallies, Issued Only Advisory Notice- IGP

The Police High Command Tuesday insisted Nigerians have constitutional rights to peaceful protests and rallies, saying that the ban placed on protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is a necessary sacrifice in this trying period.

The clarification issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, was sequel to reactions trailing the announcement on Monday by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, that the #BringBackOurGirls protesters should no longer hold protest in the Capital City.

Mba, said the Police High Command was in possession of an intelligence report that some “criminal elements” were planning to hijack the protest hence, the advisory notice issued to residents of Abuja to apply caution in joining rallies.

According to him, “The Force has not issued any order banning peaceful assemblies/protests anywhere in Nigeria.

“It notes however that against the backdrop of current security challenges in the country, coupled with a recent intelligence report of a likely infiltration and hijack of otherwise innocuous and peaceful protests by some criminal elements having links with insurgents, the Police only issued advisory notice, enjoining citizens to apply caution in the said rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs”.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, according to Mba, stressed the need for the organizers of such rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and guidance from the Police before engaging in any such exercise so as to avoid any unpleasant circumstances.

“The IGP calls on the general public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace our nation needs, as security is a collective responsibility.

“Consequently, citizens are strongly advised to reconsider their positions on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the existing threats are appropriately neutralized and removed from our midst by relevant security agencies.

“Meanwhile, the IGP reassures citizens of the commitment of the Force to the protection of lives and property and advancing the course of democracy in Nigeria,” the Force PRO stated.