In preparation for the nationwide protests, which start on Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has issued a stern warning against any actions that could lead to the destruction of critical national assets and infrastructure.
The State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, also directed all heads of formations in the State to ensure the deployment of 2015 personnel across Oyo State.
This deployment according to a statement by the command’s public relations officer, Samuel Opebiyi will include uniform officers, officers from the Intelligence and Investigation Department, Counter-Terrorist Unit and the Disaster and Emergency Response Unit. The goal is to maintain peace and security throughout the state during the protest.
The statement reads further
“This directive aligns with the recent orders from the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, who emphasized the need for tight security measures to protect critical national assets at the Federal, State, and Local Government levels. Commandant Audi cautioned that while protests are a constitutional right, there are individuals who may seek to exploit this opportunity for personal gain or to engage in looting, which is unacceptable.
“In light of these developments, Commandant Padonu appeals to parents and guardians to advise their wards to conduct themselves peacefully during the protest. “The command will not accept any form of lawlessness and wanton destruction of public facilities from anyone,” he stated. It is essential for protesters to respect the rights of non-protesters and to avoid actions such as road blockages that disrupt the daily activities of citizens.
While acknowledging that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, NSCDC warns that any attempts to violate the rights of citizens or damage government property will be met with firmness. The Corps, alongside other sister agencies, will not hesitate to act against such violations.
NSCDC, Oyo State Command will collaborate closely with other security agencies to ensure coordinated efforts during the protest. This collaboration involves intelligence sharing and joint patrols. The goal is to maintain public order, protect lives and property, and uphold citizens’ rights while preventing violence and criminal activity.
Moreover, Commandant Padonu has instructed the deployed personnel to respect the human rights of all individuals involved in the protest, ensuring that every engagement is handled with *professionalism and respect*. Any act of brutality toward protesters will not be tolerated.
As we move forward, let us remember that Nigeria is our shared home. We must work together to build a better nation while preserving its unity and integrity
