The Yobe State Police Command revealed that it has received intelligence indicating that insurgents are planning to exploit the planned protest to execute heinous acts in the state.
The command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, made the revelation in a statement issued on Sunday.
The command, in the statement, admitted that citizens have constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, but avowed that Yobe State is unprepared to face additional security challenges following the activities of insurgents in Gujba LGA, which led to an IED explosion recently.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the planned protests due to sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence,” the command said.
It also warned clandestine groups plotting to destabilise the state and hoodlums seeking to exploit the protests for criminal agendas to desist from carrying out any acts capable of breaching public peace.
The police command enjoined participants to provide protest routes, names and contact information of protest leaders and organisers to facilitate a successful and incident-free protest. The command also asked them to share the measures they put in place to prevent the hijacking of the protest by criminal elements.
“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,” the command PRO stated.