June 12 Democracy Day: Police warn protesters against destroying critical infrastructure

NPF WARNS AGAINST VIOLENT PROTESTS, DISRUPTION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURES
As IGP Orders Deployment, Warns Against the Criminal Act of Tampering with the National Grid
Following recent moves by some groups mobilizing for a mass protest nationwide, the Nigeria Police Force reiterate that the right of citizens to protest is a right to peaceful protest only. The Nigeria police will protect the rights of all citizens including those on peaceful protest. However, no decent society anywhere in the world will tolerate violent destruction of lives and properties in the name of a protest. While the NPF is committed to protecting the rights of those on peaceful protest, it will not look on to see the rights of others being violated in the name of a mass protest.
Those who want to stage a peaceful protest are advised to inform the police and request for police protection. Those who do otherwise should be ready to face the full weight of the law. Members of the public are again reminded that it is a criminal offence to tamper with the national grid or prevent/ disrupt the transmission of electricity. It is equally unacceptable to cause disruption to any other Critical Infrastructure such as airports, hospitals and other essential services, or violent picketing in whatever magnitude.
The Nigeria Police Force, being a civil and responsive institution, committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, therefore warns that any attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure, which could lead to an act of economic sabotage, treasonable felony, and jeopardize national security and public safety, will not be condoned during any protest action but will be met with the full force of the law.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and State Command Commissioners of Police in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure robust security arrangements are in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order including strategic deployments to protect key infrastructures and ensure that protests, if any, remain peaceful and lawful.
The Police equally appeals to parents and guardians to warn their wards not to be used by disgruntled and misguided individuals who are mobilizing for violent protest with intent to create anarchy. Such individuals are also advised to shelve their unpatriotic and clandestine plans in their own interest
We remain dedicated to upholding the rights of citizens while ensuring that public order is maintained.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FOR: INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE.
11th June, 2024
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Politics
2027: NDC to inaugurate presidential council October 20
The chairman said the party was taking time to make appropriate appointments to avoid disagreements that could disrupt its campaigns.

World
About one million without electricity after hurricane makes landfall in Florida
Isaias peaked as a category three hurricane, with heavy rain and powerful winds, but has since been downgraded.

Lagos
Lagos targets 3,000MW electricity supply by March 2027
Mr Sanwo-Olu said the initiative is part of efforts to end blackouts and build a 24-hour power economy in the state.

Politics
Nigeria at its best in 12 years; no govt has built infrastructure like my husband’s, says Remi Tinubu
Mrs Tinubu also cited the administration’s food support programme, saying it was designed to provide nutritious food for children.

States
Turkish Airlines increases Lagos flights from seven to 10 weekly
The statement added that the increase was aimed at meeting the growing travel demand between Nigeria and Türkiye.

States
Gov Yusuf condoles victims of bandit attack in Kano
Mr Yusuf assured residents that the state government was intensifying efforts to strengthen security through collaboration with relevant security agencies.





