The police command in Yobe says the Boko Haram insurgents have planned to infiltrate the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance protest in August.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

He said intelligence received by the command indicated that foreign mercenaries were engaged to destroy lives and property at the protest.

Mr Abdulkarim, therefore, called on would-be protesters to exercise caution.

“As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, the commissioner of police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. 

“While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed. Recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised explosive device explosion, have raised concerns.

“We are unprepared to face additional security challenges,” he said and warned that criminals trying to hide under the protest to destabilise the state would face the wrath of the law.

According to Mr Abdulkarim, the protesters must indicate proposed protest routes and assembly points for a hitch-free protest.

The spokesman said they should also state the expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of leaders and organisers and measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements.

The statement said, “By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimise 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 to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order.”

(NAN)