The police in Lagos have deployed operatives to guard protesters at designated venues and routes as labour unions begin nationwide protests against President Bola Tinubu’s draconian economic policies that have stretched Nigerians to the limit.

Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed this Wednesday.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) called its members out for a mass protest that began on Wednesday. The NLC is demanding an end to petrol price increases, naira devaluation, and fixing refineries, among others.

According to Mr Hundeyin, there is an agreement that labour unions should not allow hoodlums to hijack the protest.

Mr Hundeyin also said police commissioner Idowu Owohunwa met with labour leaders on Tuesday and agreed on the mode of operation for the protest.

“The unions are to make available to the police the venues and routes they are to gather or pass through so that security will be provided for them,” he stated. “The command has deployed operatives to all the venues and routes and has provided security beyond the areas the unions mentioned.

The police spokesman added, “The residents are to go about their normal businesses. There is no cause for alarm. Police operatives are out there for security. They will not smile with those that want to cause trouble.”

Police operatives were deployed to Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Maryland, National Stadium, Surulere, Ikeja Under Bridge, Iyana-Isolo, and Oshodi. 

(NAN)