The police command in Katsina state has assured its readiness to maintain law and order during the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Aug. 1.

This is contained in a statement by the spokesman of the command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, on Monday in Katsina.

According to him, the command has been keenly paying attention to developments surrounding the planned protest.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, Mr Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, recognised the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest and ensured that it didn’t compromise public safety and security or infringe on the rights of others.

“Therefore, the Commissioner deemed it necessary to hold a strategic meeting with heads of security agencies in the state to strategise and reinforce existing security measures to maintain law and order.

“The Command has commended patriots who have, in the interest of the country, withdrawn from the planned protest due to the apparent sinister motives and insensitivity of those calling for violence.

“We also acknowledge those discouraging any form of protest at this critical point in time for fear of being hijacked by hoodlums to cause havoc,” he said.

According to Mr Sadiq-Aliyu, the command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, is fully prepared to ensure no breakdown of law and order in the protest.

He urged residents of the state to remain patriotic and cooperate with the security agencies.

The spokesman also enjoined the organisers of the protest to take responsibility for ensuring that their event remains peaceful and lawful.

Sadiq-Aliyu said the command would not condone capable of disrupting peace in the state, warning that individuals found engaging in any unlawful activity would be prosecuted.

He said that the command has adopted proactive measures for robust response to potential disruptions, scaled up patrols and surveillance, and deployment of specialised units trained in crowd control and de-escalation techniques.

The police, he said would work with security agencies, organisers and participants to ensure a peaceful and orderly protest that respects the rights and safety of all.

“All groups planning to participate in the protest should provide the command with proposed protest routes and assembly points, expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of protest leaders as well as the organisers.

“And also designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities

“By providing this information, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety”.

(NAN)