Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Cross River State Command has deployed 860 personnel to ensure safety of lives and property during the planned nationwide protest.

Spokesman for the command, John Eremi, said in Calabar on Wednesday that the officers to be deployed in the state would be both plain-clothed and uniformed men.

Mr Eremi said that the command would not leave anything to chance to ensure a peaceful protest.

He said that the NSCDC commandant in the state would meet with area commanders on strategy to be adopted on Wednesday.

“We have already started the deployment and it will be concluded by Wednesday, after which the state headquarters will brief the various units and area commanders. The move is to ensure protection of public assets as well as lives. In doing this, plain-clothed personnel as well as tactical or special units will join the uniform officers to ensure safety of lives and guide against destruction of public assets,” he said.

Mr Eremi warned groups and individuals with ulterior motives to steer clear of the protest locations as there would be no room for them to carry out their evil plans.

He said that aside Calabar, the presence of NSCDC officers would also be visible in the 18 local government areas of the state during the protest. (NAN)